Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he has requested authorities to allow the Latin Patriarch access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, following the international reactions generated by the ban imposed on Sunday.
The decision comes after Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa was not allowed to enter the place of worship to officiate the Palm Sunday service – a central moment of Holy Week, the most important period in the Christian calendar.
Unprecedented in centuries
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem stated that it is the first time in centuries that Church leaders are prevented from officiating the Palm Sunday service at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The institution described the measure as "a serious precedent," accusing the Israeli authorities of an "unjustified and disproportionate" decision. Officials emphasized that the cardinal's visit was private, without a procession or public ceremony.
Israel invokes security reasons
Israeli authorities initially justified the restriction due to the security context, given that Iran has launched rocket attacks on Jerusalem in recent days.
Netanyahu stated that a projectile fell "a few meters" from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The police explained that access to several holy sites in the Old City was limited due to risks and the difficulty of emergency interventions in the area.
Simultaneously, restrictions affected all religions: limited access to the Western Wall and a total ban for Muslims at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Harsh reactions from the US and Europe
The US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, criticized the measure, calling it "a regrettable exaggeration," difficult to justify.
Giorgia Meloni also reacted, stating that blocking access represents "an insult to religious freedom," and the Italian Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, announced diplomatic protests.
At the Vatican, Pope Leo indirectly criticized the context of the conflict, stating that God rejects the prayers of leaders who start wars and that Christians in the Middle East are prevented from practicing their faith in these days.
Israel reverses the decision
Following pressure, Netanyahu announced that he has asked the "competent authorities" to allow the Patriarch access and the conduct of services "as desired," according to CNN.
The Israeli police later confirmed that they have approved a limited arrangement for prayer at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, in coordination with representatives of the Patriarchate.