The police have restricted access to one of the main temples of the Holy Land, even for its primate, explaining this by the wartime regime. At the same time, according to media reports, the decision was probably made at the local level by the command in the Old Town.
The situation caused an international outcry. On Palm Sunday morning, Israeli law enforcement officers did not allow the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, to enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre without giving a clear explanation.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, together with the Custodian of the Holy Land, issued a statement saying that the Patriarch and guardian of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Ielpo, was denied entry to the church where they were going to celebrate Mass. The document emphasizes that such a ban against the heads of the Church on Palm Sunday has not occurred for many centuries. Representatives of the Church indicated that they had complied with all the restrictions imposed, including the cancellation of mass events, and considered the police actions unjustified and offensive to believers around the world.
The Patriarchate expressed regret that the divine service on one of the most important Christian days was disrupted. The incident provoked a sharp reaction from Christian leaders and politicians. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the incident disrespectful to the feelings of believers, and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani demanded an explanation, summoning the Israeli ambassador.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, located on a site traditionally associated with the crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, is considered one of the main shrines of Christianity, and any restrictions associated with it inevitably attract the attention of the world community.
According to reports, due to the tense situation in the Middle East, the temple is closed to pilgrims, but worship services continued until recently. The incident occurred on the eve of Easter, a period when major religious events traditionally take place in Jerusalem, including the Holy Fire ceremony on Holy Saturday.
Against the backdrop of the conflict with Iran that has been going on for a month, according to the Associated Press, the atmosphere in the city is far from the usual festive. Jerusalem usually receives many pilgrims and tourists at this time, but now its streets are almost empty. In the Old Town, most shops are closed, and only occasional footsteps can be heard in the narrow alleys.
Earlier this month, debris from an intercepted rocket damaged the roof of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate building located in the immediate vicinity of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Currently, access to the shrine is restricted in accordance with military orders prohibiting mass gatherings of more than 50 people.