Jerusalem, 30 March, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Following what the Israel Police described as a “productive meeting” between the Police and the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, a mutual framework has been established for upcoming Easter ceremonies. This came after on Sunday morning, in the Old City of Jerusalem, the Latin Patriarch and the Custos of the Holy Land, the Reverend Fr. Francesco Ielpo, were prevented from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Palm Sunday prayers due to the ongoing security situation.
Due to the complex security reality of Operation “Roaring Lion,” ceremonies including the “Holy Fire” will be held in a symbolic, limited format, announced the Israel Police. This coordination, it said, “ensures that freedom of worship is maintained alongside our shared, primary duty: the protection of human life.”
In the past few weeks, Iranian missiles and debris have impacted within the Old City. These life-saving restrictions are a direct response to a real and present danger to all worshippers
The Israel Police clarified that the restrictions at holy sites without a standard protected space, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, stem from the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) Home Front Command guidelines and out of concern for the safety of the worshippers.
The Police noted that both the Western Wall Plaza and the Temple Mount are closed to the entry of worshippers, due to concern for public safety.