This Sunday, Israeli authorities prevented the highest Catholic authority in the Holy Land from celebrating Palm Sunday Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem, an event that, according to church leaders, had not occurred in centuries. The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and other high-ranking prelates attempted to enter the sacred site, but the Israeli police blocked their access, preventing them from officiating the religious ceremony. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week for Christians, commemorating Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem before his passion and crucifixion, and is traditionally celebrated with a solemn mass at the church considered the site of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. Why was this decision made? Israeli authorities justified the measure for security reasons due to the regional conflict, particularly the war with Iran and the fear of missile attacks in the Old City, where there are not enough air-raid shelters to protect the faithful in an emergency. According to police officials, the Church was notified that the mass could not take place as planned due to these risks. Israel assured that the decision was not intended to hinder religious freedom, but to guarantee the safety of the participants, although the measure directly affected one of the most important celebrations in the Christian calendar. International reactions and criticism. The blocking of access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre has sparked a wave of criticism internationally. European political leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian authorities, condemned the decision, calling it an affront to religious freedom and a worrying precedent. The US ambassador also stated that the action was an "unfortunate excess" that could damage interreligious coexistence in Jerusalem. Furthermore, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem described the measure as "disproportionate and unusual" and expressed that it represents a lack of respect for the sensitivities of millions of Christians around the world who observe this holiday from their countries.
