Cardinal says Palm Sunday dispute should not promote anti-Israel, anti-Jewish sentiment

 

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Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa at a press conference in Jerusalem, March 31, 2026. (Photo: Nicole Jansezian)

Dispute highlights lack of understanding of Jerusalem’s indigenous and historic Christian community

Nicole Jansezian | Published: April 2, 2026 

 

JERUSALEM — An incident that quickly spiraled into an international controversy when police denied the Holy Land’s top Catholic access to the Holy Sepulchre was resolved amicably between church and Israeli officials – but not before being seized upon by both pro- and anti-Israel groups. The situation played out in dramatic headlines and diplomatic rebukes, underscoring the fragility of religious rights determined by the centuries-old understanding governing sites in Jerusalem, known as the Status Quo.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, downplayed what he called a “misunderstanding” that exploded in the public arena on Sunday morning when he and three other clergy were barred by police from entering the church to carry out a private liturgy. 

The decision of the police was reversed later that day. The cardinal credited international and Israeli intervention – including an immediate call from Israeli President Isaac Herzog – with playing a strategic role in reaching a fast resolution. 

Pizzaballa received multiple calls from various individuals “within Israeli society,” both including religious and nonreligious Jews as well as others, which was “important to bring attention to the importance and sensitivity that the holy places have, especially at this period.”

More: https://x.com/israelcatholic/status/2040060869057315157?s=46&t=IydJ-X8H6c0NM044nYKQ0w