European Leaders Denounce Israeli Restrictions on Jerusalem's Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday

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everal European leaders have voiced strong concern and, in some cases, outright condemnation after Israeli police barred Pierbattista Pizzaballa from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to lead Palm Sunday Mass.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the move as an “offense” not only to believers but to all communities that value religious freedom. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called the decision “unacceptable” and announced that Italy would summon the Israeli ambassador for clarification.

French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned the action, warning of a growing pattern of violations affecting Jerusalem’s holy sites and calling for unrestricted worship for all religions.

Widespread condemnation across Europe

Spain, Portugal, Poland, and Malta joined the criticism, highlighting concerns over religious rights and international law.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned what he called an “unjustified attack” on religious freedom, stressing that coexistence depends on tolerance. Portugal’s Foreign Ministry said the decision “deserves deep condemnation,” urging Israeli authorities to uphold freedom of worship.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki expressed strong opposition, describing the move as disrespectful to Christian traditions, while Malta’s Foreign Minister Ian Borg called for immediate reconsideration to ensure access to Christianity’s holiest site.

According to the Latin Patriarchate, Pizzaballa and Francesco Ielpo were stopped and forced to turn back while attempting to privately enter the church—marking what officials say is the first such incident in centuries.

Broader tensions over religious access in Jerusalem

The incident comes amid wider restrictions in Jerusalem, where Israeli authorities have also limited Muslim access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque for several consecutive weeks under emergency measures linked to the ongoing war with Iran.

Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV used his Palm Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Square to deliver a broader message against violence, stating that “no one can use Jesus to justify war” and calling for an end to armed conflict.

The developments have intensified international scrutiny over religious freedoms in Jerusalem, a city sacred to Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, as tensions continue to rise in the region.

(Source: Anadolu Agency)