According to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the incident constitutes “a serious violation of fundamental principles of religious freedom” and shows a lack of respect for the feelings of billions of people around the world.
Pizzaballa is reported to have been prevented from holding the Palm Sunday Mass for security reasons because of the war involving Iran.
The decision is condemned by both French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
"An insult to every community that recognizes religious freedom," Meloni said, according to Ansa.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani writes on X that the Israeli ambassador will be summoned on Monday.
The Palm Sunday Mass in Jerusalem is a solemn Catholic ceremony that dramatizes Jesus' entry into the city on a donkey, when he was greeted by people with palm branches and cries of "Hosanna."
Palm Sunday is the last Sunday before Easter and marks the beginning of Holy Week in the Christian tradition. The day marks the beginning of Jesus' suffering before his crucifixion.
