US Edition
Israel Restores Latin Patriarch's Access to Holy Sepulchre Church After ...
After international condemnation, Israel reversed the ban on the Latin Patriarch’s access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre amid ongoing conflict and security concerns.
- On Sunday, March 29, 2026, Israeli police barred Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Palm Sunday Mass, citing security concerns.
- Israeli authorities enforced a ban on religious gatherings amid the ongoing war with Iran, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote has "repeatedly targeted the holy sites" in Jerusalem with ballistic missiles.
- Condemning the restriction, leaders from France, Spain, Italy, and Jordan criticized the move, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas labeled it a "violation of religious freedom" and urged worship access "for all faiths."
- Following widespread backlash, Netanyahu said on Monday the Latin Patriarch would receive "full and immediate access" to the site moving forward.
- Later, Pizzaballa held a Palm Sunday mass at the Church of All Nations, stating, "Grief will not extinguish hope," as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre remains central to Christians worldwide.
37 Articles
37 Articles
Jerusalem: the Latin Patriarch, Denied Access to the Holy Sepulchre, Finally Authorized by Netanyahu
After being prevented for security reasons by the Israeli police from accessing the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate the Palm Mass, the religious was finally authorized there by the
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday ordered authorities to immediately allow the highest representative of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre after police prevented him from entering on Sunday, sparking sharp criticism.
Greece Joins International Outcry as Israel Restores Access to Holy Sepulchre
Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem. Credit: Gerd Eichmann / CC BY-SA 4.0 Following a diplomatic firestorm, including a sharp rebuke from Greece, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered ‘full and immediate access’ to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. The move aims to defuse tensions after Israeli police sparked international outcry by barring the Patriarch from presiding over Palm Sunday ser…
For the first time in centuries, a Latin cardinal is denied access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. This is justified by security concerns. After loud criticism, the patriarch is allowed to enter the church.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 62% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
