The Custody of the Holy Land website posted the following statement on the Easter celebrations at the Holy Sepulcher dated March 26, 2026:

“The Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher is a point of reference for more than 2.3 billion Christians throughout the world, especially during the liturgical celebrations of the Holy Week and of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

“Among the limitations caused by the current situation of war, for security reasons, civil authorities have asked not to allow the participation of the faithful inside the Basilica. Compliance with this request does not prevent the liturgical celebration of the Paschal Mystery by the communities that find in the Holy Sepulcher their physical and spiritual home.

“For this reason, our presence inside the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher and the liturgical service that the friars continue to provide take on an even deeper meaning: they become a concrete sign of the prayer of the whole universal Church, which in this time is spiritually united with the Holy Places and with the Christian community of the Holy Land.

“We continue to pray with trust for the gift of peace, asking the Lord that violence and suffering may cease and that serenity may be restored to this land so deeply tried.

“If there will be any changes in the security regulations or in the provisions concerning the celebrations, we will promptly communicate them through the official channels of the Custody of the Holy Land.”