Police Prevent Latin Patriarch from Entering Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Cardinal Fairbattista Pizabala, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Father Francesco Lipo, the Custos of the Holy Land, were prevented from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Sunday morning by Israeli police. The two were en route to holding a significant religious ceremony during Holy Week. This marks the first time in centuries that church leaders have been barred from celebrating Mass at this sacred site.

According to the Patriarchate and the Custody, the two arrived at the site privately, without a procession or ceremonial markings, and had coordinated their visit in advance. The Church described the incident as a “fundamentally flawed decision,” emphasizing that the leaders had acted responsibly during the conflict by limiting congregations and preventing large gatherings.

The Church officials expressed deep concern over the event, noting that it set a severe precedent. They stated that preventing the entry of the Patriarch and the Custos, who hold significant ecclesiastical responsibilities, was an extremely unusual and immediate step. This action has raised alarms among religious leaders regarding the status of holy places in Jerusalem.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the decision, expressing full support for the Latin Patriarch and Christians in the Holy Land. He criticized the Israeli police for joining an “alarming sequence of violations of the status of the holy places in Jerusalem.” Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also issued a strong condemnation, highlighting the significance of the incident during a central time of faith.

The police cited instructions from the Home Front Command due to the ongoing security situation, stating that there is “no protected space in the church.” This explanation has sparked debate about the balance between security measures and the protection of religious freedoms. The incident has drawn attention to the broader concerns about the treatment of holy sites and the rights of religious communities in the region.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the most significant Christian sites in the world, has long been a focal point for religious and cultural heritage. The prevention of the Patriarch and the Custos from entering the church has raised questions about the impact of current security protocols on religious practices and the preservation of sacred traditions. The situation underscores the need for careful consideration of the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved in the region.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Hebrew)