Israel Palm Sunday
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, holds a prayer service to mark Palm Sunday in Jerusalem, Sunday, March 29, 2026.
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Israeli police have blocked top Catholic leaders from entering Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre for a private Palm Sunday Mass. The U.S., France, and Italy condemned the decision. On Sunday, the church stayed closed under Iran war security rules after missiles hit the city. The Latin Patriarchate called the move unreasonable and says it harmed freedom of worship. Police cited safety risks in the Old City and poor access for emergency vehicles. Church officials say they have held small private Masses since late February. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would try to partially open the church in the coming days.
