Israel Apologizes After Police Block Catholic Leaders from Palm Sunday Mass at Holy Sepulchre

Access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre·March 29 – March 30, 2026

20 days ago

Israel Apologizes After Police Block Catholic Leaders from Palm Sunday Mass at Holy Sepulchre

Israeli police prevented the Latin Patriarch and other Catholic leaders from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Palm Sunday Mass on March 29. Authorities cited safety concerns and gathering limits set by the Home Front Command, even though church officials said they were under the 50-person limit police block cardinal. The Vatican and European leaders condemned the move, noting that church leaders had not been barred from the site in this manner for centuries Vatican calls action unprecedented. Following international criticism, Israeli President Isaac Herzog apologized for the incident. Israel restored access for the religious leaders to the holy site the next day Israel apologizes and grants access. Some observers, including former U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, called the police restrictions an example of overreach Huckabee criticizes police.

Israeli police block Catholic cardinal from Holy Sepulchre on Palm SundayVatican says Israel blocking Holy Sepulchre for "first time in centuries"Israel apologizes, grants access to Catholic leaders

Key Statements

NNewsweek

“Israeli police prevented the Latin Patriarch and Custos of the Holy Land from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Palm Sunday Mass, an action the Vatican calls unprecedented.”

This highlights the severity and rare nature of the restriction according to the Vatican.

TThe Daily Wire

“Israeli police blocked Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Catholic leaders from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday, citing safety concerns.”

This provides the specific justification used by Israeli authorities for the blockade.