Custody of the Holy Land: Prayer continues at Holy Sepulchre amid ‘time of trial,’ restricted access March 23, 2026By Paulina Guzik OSV News Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Easter, News, World News The Church of the Holy Sepulcher remains a place of continuous prayer despite restricted access to the faithful, according to a statement released March 21 by the Custody of the Holy Land, which also said uncertainty persists over upcoming Holy Week and Easter celebrations. The friars — now left to pray without faithful, and uncertain how long the restrictions would last — appealed to Catholic around the word to “unite in prayer that the war and violence may cease, and that the paths of dialogue, diplomacy, and responsible political action may be pursued, as they are the only ways capable of building a just and lasting peace,” the statement said, calling the turbulent times a “time of trial.” “In recent days, various reports have circulated regarding the closure” of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and “the celebration of the upcoming Easter liturgies,” the statement said. “In this regard, the Custody of the Holy Land considers it appropriate to offer some clarifications.” The Franciscan community responsible for the site emphasized that religious life inside the basilica has not stopped. “The community of Franciscan friars present at the Holy Sepulchre has never ceased, day or night, to carry out the scheduled celebrations, the rites, the daily processions, and the liturgical prayers according to the provisions of the Status Quo,” the statement said. “Even during these days, although access to the Basilica is restricted to the faithful for security reasons, prayer continues unceasingly in the Holy Places.” The Custody, which has maintained a presence at key Christian sites for centuries, framed its ongoing liturgical activity as a service to the global Church. “Our centuries-old presence in the Holy Places of the Redemption and the prayer that rises there every day are offered in the name of the whole Church and for the good of all humanity,” the statement said. “In particularly dramatic moments such as those we are now experiencing, this presence intends to make visible the faith, hope, and supplication of every baptized person, so that from these Holy Places a prayer for peace and reconciliation among peoples may continue to rise.” Officials said it remains too early to determine how Holy Week observances will be conducted. “At the present time, it is not possible to make any predictions regarding the celebrations of Holy Week,” the statement said. “The Custody of the Holy Land remains in constant dialogue with the competent authorities and with the other Churches responsible for the Holy Sepulchre. As soon as clear indications are available regarding the celebrations, official communications will be issued through the institutional channels.” The statement comes amid the ongoing U.S. and Israel-Iran war that have affected access to religious sites in Jerusalem at a time that typically draws large numbers of pilgrims. Read More Conflict in the Middle East Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem remains closed Cardinal Pizzaballa: Using God’s name to justify war is ‘the gravest sin’ Pope Leo XIV urges media to show human face of war, not propaganda Christians in Holy Land face further despair, suffering, Latin Patriarchate official says God’s name can never be used to justify ‘absurd’ pursuit of war, pope says Pope Leo calls for ceasefire in Middle East, special prayers for Lebanon Copyright © 2026 OSV News Print
