Israeli police bar top Catholic figure in Jerusalem from holding Palm Sunday mass at Holy Sepulchre

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic figure in Jerusalem, was barred from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Palm Sunday mass, according to his office, in what Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni labelled an "offence to the faithful". French President Emmanuel Macron said Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top…

Key takeaways

Quick scan — what you need to know:

• Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic figure in Jerusalem, was barred from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Palm Sunday mass, according to his office, in what…
• French President Emmanuel Macron said Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic figure in Jerusalem, was barred from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Palm Sunday mass,…
• French President Emmanuel Macron said

Background

What led here, in plain terms:

• s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni labelled an "offence to the faithful". French President Emmanuel Macron said Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic figure in Jerusalem, was barred from entering the Church…
• Full context often emerges as officials, markets, or courts add updates.

Why it matters

Why readers and decision-makers should care:

• Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic figure in Jerusalem, was barred from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Palm Sunday mass, according to his office, in what…
• French President Emmanuel Macron said Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic figure in Jerusalem, was barred from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Palm Sunday mass,…
• French President Emmanuel Macron said