Custody of the Holy Land

The Custody of the Holy Land is a province of the Franciscan Order responsible for maintaining the Catholic presence in the Holy Land and safeguarding Christian holy sites. They are newsworthy due to recent events surrounding access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Specifically, on Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026, Israeli police prevented the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and the head of the Franciscans for the Holy Land, from entering the Church to celebrate Mass. The Latin Patriarchate described this action as unprecedented in centuries. Initially, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited security reasons for restricting access to holy sites in the Old City for Christians, Jews, and Muslims. However, he later authorized the Latin Patriarch's access to the Holy Sepulchre. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and complexities surrounding religious freedom and access to holy sites in Jerusalem.