Italy condemns Israel's ban on Jerusalem church service led by Latin Patriarch as a slap in the face to worshippers

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has spoken out against the actions of Israeli police, who prevented Jerusalem's Latin Patriarch from leading a Palm Sunday mass, an incident she described as an affront to both the faithful and any community that values religious freedom.

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According to the Latin Patriarchate, Israeli police blocked Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the archbishop with Catholic jurisdiction over Israel and the Palestinian territories, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem to perform the mass.

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Italy's Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, took to social media platform X to announce that he had summoned Israel's ambassador to discuss the incident, seeking clarification on the circumstances surrounding the police action.

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Israeli police have yet to respond to a request for comment on the matter, leaving many questions unanswered about the incident and its implications for religious freedom in the region.

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The incident occurred against the backdrop of a US-Israeli offensive against Iran, launched on February 28, which prompted Israeli authorities to impose a ban on large gatherings, including those in places of worship, and limit public events to 50 people.

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Palm Sunday, a significant event in the Christian calendar, commemorates Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem, marking the beginning of Holy Week and the events leading up to his crucifixion and resurrection, as recounted in the Gospels.

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In light of the restrictions, the Latin Patriarchate was forced to cancel the traditional Palm Sunday procession from the Mount of Olives, an event that normally attracts thousands of worshippers and is an important part of the Holy Week celebrations.

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Pope Leo XIV, speaking after the Angelus prayer in Rome on Sunday, paid tribute to the Christians of the Middle East, who are suffering the consequences of a devastating conflict that is preventing them from fully observing the rites of the holy days.