Macron Slams Israel for Denying Latin Patriarch Access to Holy Sepulchre

(MENAFN) French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Israel’s decision to prevent the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass, one of the most significant ceremonies in the Christian calendar, according to reports.

"I condemn this decision by the Israeli police, which adds to the worrying increase in violations of the status of Jerusalem’s Holy Sites," Macron wrote on the US social media platform X.

Expressing support for Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Macron added: "The free exercise of worship in Jerusalem must be guaranteed for all religions."

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem stated that Pizzaballa and the custos of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Ielpo, were stopped while traveling privately to the church and “compelled to turn back,” as reported.

The patriarchate noted that this incident represents the first time in centuries that church leaders have been prevented from celebrating Palm Sunday—the opening day of Holy Week—at the Holy Sepulchre, one of Christianity’s most sacred sites.

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