Israel blocks church access in Jerusalem, draws European outrage

Israel’s decision to block the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre has triggered widespread criticism from European governments, raising concerns over religious freedom in Jerusalem’s holy sites.

European leaders condemn restriction on worship

Several European officials reacted sharply after Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa was denied access to the church where he was due to lead Palm Sunday prayers. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the move as “an offense not only to believers, but to every community that recognizes religious freedom.” Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called the decision “unacceptable” and announced that Rome would summon Israel’s ambassador for clarification.

French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned the incident, saying it reflects a troubling pattern of restrictions at Jerusalem’s sacred sites. “I condemn this decision by the Israeli police,” he wrote, calling for the “free exercise of worship” to be ensured for all faiths. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez similarly described the action as an “unjustified attack on religious freedom,” urging Israel to respect international law and religious diversity.

Growing diplomatic pressure across Europe

Portugal’s Foreign Ministry expressed “deep condemnation” of the move, while Polish President Karol Nawrocki said the incident showed disregard for Christian traditions. Malta’s Foreign Minister Ian Borg also voiced concern, stressing that access to one of Christianity’s holiest sites must be protected, particularly during significant religious observances such as Holy Week.

Church authorities in Jerusalem stated that Pizzaballa, along with Father Francesco Ielpo, was stopped while attempting to enter the church privately and was forced to turn back. According to the Latin Patriarchate, this marks the first known instance in centuries that senior clergy were prevented from conducting Palm Sunday services at the Holy Sepulchre.

Restrictions extend to Muslim worshippers

The incident comes amid broader limitations on religious practices in Jerusalem. Israeli authorities have also continued to restrict Muslim access to Al-Aqsa Mosque for Friday prayers for several consecutive weeks, citing emergency measures linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran.

The developments have heightened international concern over access to holy sites in Jerusalem, a city central to Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Observers warn that continued restrictions risk further escalating tensions in the region, including for countries like Türkiye that closely follow developments affecting religious freedoms and regional stability.