U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and Sen. Ted Cruz joined world leaders on Sunday in criticizing Israeli police for prohibiting the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Palm Sunday mass.

The Latin Patriarchate stated that Israeli police barred Cardinal Pizzaballa and Rev. Fr. Francesco Ielpo from entering. The Patriarchate added that they were stopped en route and compelled to turn back, without being part of a procession or ceremony.

Palm Sunday marks the start of Holy Week, which culminates with Easter. The Patriarchate lamented the decision, calling it an extreme departure from basic principles of reasonableness, freedom of worship, and respect for the Status Quo.

Huckabee, in his post on X, described the Israeli police's action as an “unfortunate overreach.” He noted that, although Israeli guidelines restrict gatherings to 50 people, Pizzaballa and his colleagues were well below that limit.

Cruz emphasized that, while security concerns are real, they should not have prevented the Patriarch from entering the church for the Palm Sunday blessing. He trusted that this mistake would be quickly corrected.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explained that the police prevented Cardinal Pizzaballa from entering for security reasons, given the threat of missile attacks in the area, with no malicious intent.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog contacted Pizzaballa to express his sorrow over the incident. Herzog clarified that the police prevented entry due to security concerns, ensuring that a plan is being developed to allow religious leaders to hold their activities in the coming days.

The police action was criticized by world leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who lamented the violation of the “status quo of Jerusalem’s Holy Sites”.

Carney, who is Catholic, stated that people of every faith in Jerusalem should be able to worship freely and without fear. He was pleased that President Herzog contacted the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem to reaffirm this principle.

The situation sparked a debate about religious freedom and respect for holy sites in Jerusalem, with leaders worldwide expressing their concern and calling for a solution that guarantees access to religious celebrations.