Police Stop Cardinal from Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem was barred from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday, a first in many years.
Police cited security concerns linked to the Iran conflict as the reason for denying entry.

Key Points

• Event: Palm Sunday, beginning Holy Week for Christians.
• Location: Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem’s Old City.
• Action: Police stopped the Patriarch and a friar from entering.
• Reason: Security worries; lack of bomb shelters in narrow streets; potential emergency response delays.
• Outcome: Mass could not be held inside the church.

Broader Impact

International Reactions

• Italian Prime Minister: Denied religious leaders’ access is an offense to faith communities.
• French President: Called the decision a violation of holy places’ status.
• Vatican: No comment; Pope’s recent speech criticized war‑initiating leaders.

Alleged Unequal Enforcement

• Muslim preachers allowed at Al‑Aqsa during Ramadan.
• Cleaners permitted at the Western Wall before Passover.
• Friars granted entry to a nearby shrine for Palm Sunday.
• Photo evidence of a small group praying with palm fronds.

Patriarchate’s Statement

“Police were told the Mass would be private and closed‑door. Despite that, the officers still blocked entry.”