Catholic Patriarch's Mass at Holy Sepulchre Cancelled Due to Security Concerns
March 29, 2026
Israel prevented the Catholic Patriarch of Jerusalem from holding Palm Sunday Mass at the Holy Sepulchre due to security concerns. This decision sparked strong reactions from world leaders, including the Italian Prime Minister and the French President. Israeli authorities promised to develop a plan to allow religious leaders to visit the holy sites. The French President condemned the decision, emphasizing the importance of freedom of worship. The situation around the Holy Sepulchre and holy sites remains tense.