Israel bans Jerusalem Holy Sepulchre Church mass for the first time in hundreds of years

SighingCashier · 2026-03-29T18:02:40+00:00

The Jerusalem Palm Sunday Mass activities were blocked by Israeli police, prompting criticism from leaders of multiple countries who accused it of infringing on religious freedom. The police stated that due to the impact of the war, all holy sites are closed to worshippers. This is the first time in centuries that the Mass has been prohibited at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Leaders from Italy and France both condemned the action.

SighingCashier

2026-03-29 18:02:40

Abstract generation in progress

Sunday is Palm Sunday, an annual observance, and on the way to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem to preside over Mass, the patriarch archbishop of Jerusalem and monks were stopped by Israeli police. The diocese described this as the first time in several centuries that this has happened. Several European heads of state criticized Israel’s actions for violating religious freedom. Israeli security forces later said they were looking for ways to ensure that during Holy Week, worshipers could hold worship services in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

The diocese’s statement said that Israeli police stated that since the start of Holy Week, all holy sites in Jerusalem’s Old City had been closed to believers and rejected the exemption applications submitted by the diocese. It added that this marked the first time in several centuries that church leaders were barred from holding Palm Sunday Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was built at the site that believers believe to be where Jesus was crucified and resurrected, and Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, leading up to Easter.

Italian Prime Minister Meloni criticized Israel’s police, saying they not only offended believers, but also offended every religious-freedom community. French President Macron condemned Israel’s police for further infringing on Jerusalem’s holy sites.

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