According to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the incident constitutes "a serious violation of fundamental principles of religious freedom" and shows a lack of respect for the feelings of billions of people around the world.
The decision is condemned by, among others, EU Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas, French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
"A violation of religious freedom," Kallas says.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announces that the Israeli ambassador will be summoned on Monday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu writes on X that "there were no malicious intentions" in the decision, and that it was solely for security reasons related to Iran.
The Palm Sunday Mass in Jerusalem is a solemn Catholic ceremony that commemorates Jesus' entry into the city on a donkey and his reception by people with palm branches and cries of "Hosanna."
Palm Sunday is the last Sunday before Easter and marks the start of Holy Week in the Christian tradition, the beginning of Jesus' suffering before the crucifixion.
