Israeli police blocked the head of the Catholic Church in Jerusalem from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday, preventing him from leading mass at one of Christianity's holiest sites. The Latin Patriarch, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and the Reverend Francesco Ielpo were stopped outside the church, which is traditionally believed to be the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixion.

The mass was intended to mark the beginning of Holy Week, one of the most significant periods in the Christian calendar. Church authorities expressed concern over the decision to bar senior clergy from accessing the site during such an important religious observance.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that worshippers of all faiths had been asked to avoid visiting religious sites in Jerusalem's Old City due to safety concerns following recent Iranian attacks. The restrictions have drawn criticism from global leaders and church officials.