Story perspectives

Church of the Holy Sepulchre Closed Amid Israeli Restrictions

3/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre was closed on Palm Sunday due to Israeli wartime restrictions.
The Catholic Church criticized the decision as unreasonable.
Israeli police said they must balance worship freedom with public safety amid missile threats in the Old City.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Father Francesco Ielpo were stopped from entering the church for private Mass.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed sorrow over the incident.

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Story summary

Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre was closed on Palm Sunday due to Israeli wartime restrictions.
The Catholic Church criticized the decision as unreasonable.
Israeli police said they must balance worship freedom with public safety amid missile threats in the Old City.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Father Francesco Ielpo were stopped from entering the church for private Mass.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed sorrow over the incident.