Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, strongly condemned the actions of Israeli police who, on Sunday, barred the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem from accessing the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The head of the Spanish government deemed the incident, which occurred on Palm Sunday, an unjustified assault on religious freedom.
Photo: Mahmoud Illean, via AP Photo
The dispute erupted on March 23rd when Israeli security forces obstructed Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa and the Custos of the Holy Land, Francesco Patton, as they were proceeding toward the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The clergymen were compelled to turn back and leave the area, failing to reach the sanctuary on one of the most significant days of Holy Week for Western Christians.
The office of the Israeli Prime Minister later claimed the decision was based solely on security concerns for the dignitaries, although no specific threats or circumstances were detailed.
Commenting on the situation via his social media profile, Pedro Sánchez placed the blame for the event directly on the Israeli head of government, Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to the Spanish Premier, the authorities’ actions were carried out “without any explanation, without reasons or motives.” Madrid asserts that such measures contravene the principles of religious diversity and international standards, urging Israel to respect religious beliefs.
“Coexistence is impossible without tolerance,” Sánchez emphasized.
The Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also joined the chorus of criticism, viewing the denial of access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for the clergy as an unacceptable precedent. Lisbon appealed to Israeli authorities to ensure freedom of worship for all denominations not merely in declaration, but in practice.
The Jerusalem incident has already sparked concern in European diplomatic circles, given the city’s unique status, where access to holy sites is traditionally governed by intricate international agreements.
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