Access Denied: Latin Patriarch Prevented from Celebrating Palm Sunday Mass in Jerusalem
Israeli police have barred the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem from entering the Holy Sepulchre for Palm Sunday mass, citing safety concerns amid ongoing restrictions on gatherings.
On March 29, 2026, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem was denied access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where he intended to celebrate Palm Sunday mass. This decision was made by Israeli police, who cited safety concerns as the primary reason.
The restrictions on large gatherings have been in place since the onset of the Iran war, reflecting a broader trend in security measures impacting religious observances in the region.
The implications of this blockade extend beyond the immediate event, potentially affecting the operational capacity of religious institutions and their ability to conduct large-scale ceremonies in the future.