Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem is the Catholic diocese responsible for Latin Catholics in Jerusalem, Palestine, Israel, Jordan, and Cyprus. It is currently led by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa. The Patriarchate is newsworthy due to a recent incident on March 29, 2026, when Israeli police prevented Cardinal Pizzaballa, along with the Custos of the Holy Land (head of the Franciscans in the Holy Land), from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass. This action has been described by the Patriarchate as unprecedented in centuries. The stated reason for the denial of access was security concerns. This event is significant because it raises questions about religious freedom and access to holy sites in Jerusalem, and has been condemned by the Latin Patriarchate as a grave precedent.