The US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, said it was an “unfortunate overreach” that was “difficult to understand or justify”.
Cardinal Pizzaballa’s office said it was “the first time in centuries” a Latin Patriarch had been turned away from the holy site on Palm Sunday, which marks Christ’s return to Jerusalem.
He and Rev Ielpo had been “compelled” to turn back from the church, where Christ was also believed to have been buried and subsequently resurrected, it said.
“This incident is a grave precedent and disregards the sensibilities of billions of people around the world, who during this week, look to Jerusalem,” a statement from the patriarchate said.
“This hasty and fundamentally flawed decision, tainted by improper considerations, represents an extreme departure from basic principles of reasonableness, freedom of worship, and respect for the status quo.”
The patriarchate said it had followed all “imposed restrictions” and acted responsibly since the war began, adding that Sunday’s decision was “a manifestly unreasonable and grossly disproportionate measure”.
Cardinal Pizzaballa later added that while he did “not want to force the issue”, “we had not asked for anything public, just a brief and small private ceremony”.
“We want to use this situation to try to clarify better in the coming days what to do, in respect for everyone’s safety but also in respect for the right to prayer,” he added.
