Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a strong condemnation after Israeli authorities prevented the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Good Friday, March 28, 2026. The incident occurred as the cardinal attempted to lead traditional prayers at the site revered as the location of Jesus's crucifixion and tomb.
In a statement published on its official website, the Polish ministry described the action as "an unprecedented and scandalous event" that violated the fundamental right of religious freedom. The statement called on Israeli authorities to respect the status quo of Jerusalem's holy sites and ensure free access for all faiths.
Israeli police stated the restrictions were imposed due to security assessments and crowd control measures during the busy Easter period. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is jointly managed by several Christian denominations under a long-standing agreement, and access for clergy is typically guaranteed.
The Polish government, a strong supporter of Christian heritage sites in the region, emphasized its commitment to defending religious freedom globally. The incident has drawn attention to ongoing tensions surrounding access and authority at Jerusalem's sensitive religious landmarks.
