Press Release from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem April 23rd 2026

The Endowment Department of the Latin Patriarchate Held a Field Meeting with the Military Authorities and Civil Administration Regarding Settler Encroachments on Tayasir/Hamam Il-Maleh Lands – Tubas Governorate

The Endowment Department of the Latin Patriarchate held a field meeting today, Wednesday, 23/4/2026, in the areas of Tayasir and Hamam Il-Maleh, with representatives of the Military Authorities and Civil Administration to discuss the serious effects of the recent settler encroachments on lands owned by the Latin Patriarchate in the Tayasir area of Tubas Governorate.

As part of the legal follow-up, the Department submitted an official and documented complaint to the relevant authorities, including details of the attacks against local residents and Patriarchate lands in several locations. Following this complaint, the authorities began the necessary actions, including pursuing those responsible and seizing heavy machinery used for land destruction and damage at the site. During the meeting, the Patriarchate through the Endowment Department expressed its full rejection of these actions, describing them as a clear violation of Church properties. It called for the immediate removal of all damage caused, prevention of any future intrusions into these areas, and the provision of legal protection for the Patriarchate’s lands.

Representatives of the relevant authorities acknowledged the seriousness of the matter and committed to the immediate removal of the encroachments, and continuing legal action against those involved.

The Patriarchate also confirmed its support for the people and residents of the area, and its continued commitment to helping them remain steadfast, protect their dignity, and live in safety and stability, in line with the Church’s humanitarian mission in service of people and land. His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa was fully informed of the developments and gave instructions to follow the matter seriously and to provide all possible support to the local people during these difficult circumstances.

The Endowment Department of the Latin Patriarchate confirms that protecting Church endowment properties is a red line. It will continue to take all legal and administrative steps needed to protect their sanctity, preserve their Church identity, defend their lawful rights, and continue supporting the local people.

“Life in the Midst of the Tomb"

The Easter Message 2026 from Archbishop Hosam Naoum

Due to the war, this year Christians were unable to experience the traditional Lenten journey in Jerusalem, with the solemn celebrations at the Holy Sepulchre and in the Holy Places of the Passion.

Cardinal Pizzaballa was unable to access the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate mass on Palm Sunday privately, when he was turned away by police. Israel's prime minister has said the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem will now have "full and immediate access".

Latin Patriarch will now have access to Jerusalem holy site

The Catholic Bishops of England and Wales (CBCEW) have issued a statement saying that blocking the Latin Patriarch from celebrating Palm Sunday Mass was a clear denial of freedom of worship by Israeli authorities, says Archbishop.

Read the CBCEW statement here

Though they were able to pray and prepare personally, they felt the loss of the community journey towards Easter.  Cardinal Pizzaballa, patriarch of Jerusalem has written a letter in which he makes a Call to Prayer -  "Pray always and do not lose heart" (Luke 18:1)." inviting us all to join in prayer on Saturday March 28.

cardinal pizzaballa's letter in full