Church leaders in Jerusalem have confirmed that Holy Week and Easter celebrations at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre will proceed this year, following coordination with Israeli authorities amid ongoing regional conflict.
In a joint press release issued on Holy Monday, March 30, 2026, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land announced that arrangements have been finalized to allow official Church representatives access to the site for liturgies and ceremonies.
The agreement, reached with the Israel Police, ensures that core Easter traditions — some dating back centuries — will be maintained inside Christianity’s most sacred shrine, revered as the site of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.
This new statement comes after the strong statement issued Palm Sunday morning, when Israeli police turned back the two most senior Church officials as they were en route to celebrate a simple Mass (without a procession) at Christ's tomb. This decision, and the lack of coordination with the Church leaders, brought statements from around the globe, and later, a response from Israel's prime minister.
Public participation will remain significantly restricted. Citing the ongoing war and existing limitations on large gatherings, Church authorities confirmed that most of the faithful will not be able to attend in person. Instead, liturgies will be broadcast live to audiences across the Holy Land and around the world.
Church leaders framed the decision as a necessary balance between security concerns and the preservation of religious life. They emphasized that safeguarding freedom of worship remains a shared responsibility across religious communities, especially during periods of conflict.
The statement also expressed gratitude to Isaac Herzog for his intervention, as well as to other international leaders who voiced support and engaged with Church authorities. Their involvement, the statement said, helped secure access to the Holy Sepulchre under challenging circumstances.
Beyond immediate logistical concerns, the message underscored a broader principle: that faith remains a “supreme human value” uniting diverse communities, including Jews, Christians, Muslims, and Druze. Protecting the ability to pray—particularly in shared sacred spaces—was described as essential, even amid instability.
Church officials said dialogue with authorities, including the Israel Police, remains ongoing. They reiterated their hope for a resolution to the conflict, noting its “heavy consequences” across the region.
The statement concludes with a reaffirmation of commitment to the long-standing “Status Quo” arrangements governing holy sites in Jerusalem, as well as to continued cooperation and mutual respect among all parties.
Explore the slideshow below to discover more about the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Read the full statement here.
