politics
March 30, 2026
Israeli Police Prevented Catholic Priests from Holding Mass in Jerusalem Church: Strong Reactions and Netanyahu's Allies
Israeli police prevented Catholic priests yesterday from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem to hold Mass on the Christian holiday of Palm Sunday, an unprecedented event in centuries, which was followed by a wave of criticism from the United States and other countries, writes AP.
TL;DR
- Israeli police prevented Catholic priests from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Palm Sunday Mass.
- This action was unprecedented in centuries and has led to strong international criticism.
- Police cited security reasons, lack of emergency vehicle access, and absence of shelters.
- The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem called the decision "unreasonable and grossly disproportionate."
- Pope Francis commented on the event, emphasizing Jesus as the 'King of Peace' and condemning violence.
- Condemnations came from the US, France, Italy, and Hungary, with leaders expressing concern over religious freedom.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated there was no 'ill will' and promised to partially open the church.
- A previous incident involved debris from an intercepted Iranian missile landing near the church.
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