Jerusalem - The Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem expressed grave concern over the Israeli raid and land grab targeting its Church property in Silwan on June 15, 2026. During the operation, the Patriarchate’s representative was forcibly removed, his equipment was confiscated, trees were uprooted, and the property was enclosed with fencing and gates. The Patriarchate said the incident constitutes an unlawful and illegitimate seizure of established Church property in the heart of Jerusalem.

Holy City of Jerusalem
Palm Sunday, 29 March 2026

This morning, the Israeli Police prevented the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Head of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, together with the Custos of the Holy Land, the Most Reverend Fr. Francesco Ielpo, OFM, the official Guardian of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, as they made their way to celebrate the Palm Sunday Mass.

 

Gaza, Jerusalem December 19th, 2025