Breaking Update
Police Reopen Church of the Holy Sepulchre to Worshippers While Western Wall Plaza Remains Closed
Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre is open for worship, but the Western Wall Plaza remains closed due to security concerns from missile threats.
Jerusalem, 30 March, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The Israel Police approved a prayer outline at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem’s Old City, in Coordination with Representative of the Latin Patriarch. The Church is the holiest site in Israel for Christians and preparations are currently being made for next week’s Easter holiday. However, all such holy places of any religion are required to follow the current security restrictions in place as Iran continues to launch missiles at Israeli cities.
The move came after a situation assessment was held by the Jerusalem District Commander, Deputy Police Commissioner Avshalom Peled, and in coordination with the representative of the Latin Patriarch.
On Sunday morning, in the Old City of Jerusalem, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and the Custos of the Holy Land, the Most Reverend Fr. Francesco Ielpo, were prevented from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulcher for prayers amid the ongoing security situation.
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.
