A joint statement issued by the Latin Patriarchate and the Custody of the Holy Land has strongly criticised an incident in which senior church leaders were blocked from accessing a major holy site in Jerusalem, describing the development as deeply troubling and insensitive to millions of believers worldwide who turn their attention to the city during this sacred period.

According to the statement, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, alongside the Custos of the Holy Land, the Most Reverend Fr. Francesco Ielpo, were stopped by Israeli police on their way to officiate the Palm Sunday Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The two religious leaders, who were travelling privately without any form of procession or ceremonial display, were reportedly halted en route and forced to return.

The statement noted that, as a consequence, the church leaders were unable to preside over the Palm Sunday Mass at the historic site—an occurrence described as unprecedented in centuries. Church authorities emphasised that this interruption marked a significant break from longstanding religious tradition.

Describing the situation as a serious and concerning development, the statement argued that the action failed to consider the spiritual significance of the period for billions of Christians globally, many of whom look to Jerusalem during Holy Week.

The church bodies further pointed out that since the outbreak of the ongoing conflict, they have consistently adhered to all restrictions imposed by authorities. These measures included cancelling public gatherings, limiting attendance, and ensuring that religious services were broadcast to millions of faithful around the world who observe Easter celebrations with a focus on Jerusalem and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Condemning the police intervention, the statement characterised it as excessive, unjustified, and lacking sound judgment. It suggested that the decision was made hastily and influenced by inappropriate considerations, representing a clear deviation from established norms surrounding freedom of worship and respect for existing religious arrangements.

Expressing deep regret over the incident, the church authorities conveyed their sorrow to Christians both in the Holy Land and across the globe, noting that worship on one of the most sacred days in the Christian calendar had been disrupted in a manner that prevented proper observance.