(SeaPRwire) –   Major Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, were shut down on Palm Sunday due to Israeli wartime measures, interrupting one of the faith’s most sacred celebrations as the conflict with Iran reached its fifth week.

The Catholic Church condemned the police action, labeling it “a blatantly unreasonable and excessively severe measure.”

Israeli police expressed regret that the war-related limitations were affecting religious practice and recognized the necessity to “strike a balance between freedom” and “public safety.”

In a video statement on X addressing the uproar over religious freedom, Israeli police stated, “Life-saving restrictions from the Home Front Command are in effect for all holy sites in the Old City — applying equally to Jews, Christians, and Muslims.” They added, “The Old City has been hit by deadly missiles several times this month, in addition to persistent attacks on residential neighborhoods.”

“These dangers do not differentiate based on religion, and our responsibility to protect you does not either,” the statement went on. “We are engaged in ongoing discussions with religious figures, including a planned meeting with the Patriarch, to explore ways to reconcile worship freedoms with public safety.”

According to the Latin Patriarchate, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Father Francesco Ielpo were intercepted by Israeli police as they attempted to reach the church for a private Mass, following the cancellation of the customary Palm Sunday procession.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog contacted the affected worshipers to “convey my profound regret regarding this morning’s unfortunate event.”

“I explained that the event was a result of security worries prompted by the ongoing risk of missile strikes from the Iranian terror regime on Israel’s civilian population, after recent incidents where Iranian missiles landed near Jerusalem’s Old City,” he posted on X on Sunday. “I reiterated the State of Israel’s steadfast dedication to religious freedom for all and to maintaining the status quo at Jerusalem’s holy sites.”

Italy criticized what it described as an “affront” to “religious freedom” in the Holy Land.

“The Italian government shows solidarity with Cardinal Pizzaballa, Father Ielpo, and the clergy who were barred by Israeli authorities today from celebrating Palm Sunday Mass in the Holy Sepulchre,” wrote Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in a statement. “The Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is a sacred Christian site, and as such should be maintained and safeguarded for the performance of religious ceremonies. Blocking the Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Keeper of the Holy Land, especially on a pivotal holy day like Palm Sunday, is an offense not just to the faithful, but to any society that values religious freedom.”

The Latin Patriarchate noted that the Church of the Holy Sepulchre had been holding private Masses, closed to the public, since the war with Iran started on February 28, and the reason for treating Sunday’s Mass and the priests’ access differently was not clear.

“It is an extremely sacred day for Christians, and we believe there was no valid reason for this decision or action,” stated Farid Jubran, spokesperson for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

He further mentioned that the church had sought police approval for a small number of religious officials to enter the building for a private Sunday Mass, not a public event.

Concluding Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV prayed for all Middle Eastern Christians, whom he said were enduring a “brutal” war. He noted that “in many instances, they are unable to fully participate in the rituals of these holy days,” without providing further details.

On Sunday evening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated there was no “ill intent” and that the cardinal was denied access due to safety risks, but Israel would work towards a partial reopening of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

“In recognition of the sanctity of Holy Week for Christians worldwide, Israel’s security agencies are developing a strategy to allow church leaders to pray at the holy site in the next few days,” Netanyahu posted on X.

The Western Wall, a significant Jewish holy site, is also largely closed for safety reasons, although authorities are permitting groups of up to 50 people to pray at a time in a sheltered area next to the plaza.

Smaller churches, synagogues, and mosques within Jerusalem’s Old City remain open provided they are located a specific distance from a bomb shelter approved by the Israeli military and if attendance is limited to fewer than 50 people.