Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, was blocked by Israeli police from celebrating Palm Sunday Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre-an event last held centuries ago.
The Custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Ielpo, was also turned away. Authorities cited security concerns amid fears of Iranian airstrikes.
The Latin Patriarchate condemned the move as a "grave precedent" that disrespected global Christian sentiment. Israeli officials defended the restriction, citing ongoing wartime limitations on public gatherings.
European leaders reacted sharply. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called it an offense to religious freedom, while French President Emmanuel Macron labeled it "alarming."
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week in Christianity, commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem before his crucifixion.