In unity, as Easter approaches

Dear Members of the Order,

Due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, we are aware that the relevant authorities have imposed restrictions. As a result, the customary Holy Week celebrations in the Holy Land, which are open to all, will not be able to take place.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa has already announced to his diocese that the traditional Palm Sunday procession has been cancelled. “To the hardships of this time of war, which affect us all, is now added the pain of being unable to celebrate Easter worthily and together. It is a wound that adds to the many others inflicted by the conflict. However, we must not allow ourselves to be discouraged. If we cannot gather as we would wish, let us not abandon prayer,” says the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem in his message, recalling Jesus’ invitation to his disciples: “Pray always without becoming weary” (Lk 18:1).

In particular, he invites the faithful of the Patriarchate to unite in prayer Saturday, March 28, and recite the Rosary for the gift of peace.

As Grand Master of the Order, I invite all Knights and Dames to participate in this Marian prayer, in communion with our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land.

Furthermore, as pilgrimages are not possible at present, I ask each of you to observe Holy Week as a spiritual pilgrimage to Jerusalem. In these circumstances, we feel more than ever that we must support the Mother Church of Jerusalem, in accordance with the teaching of Saint Paul and the constant concern of the Supreme Pontiffs.

Undertaking a spiritual pilgrimage during this Holy Week and at Easter enables us not to remain indifferent to the suffering of the peoples and, in some way, to express our disapproval of the many fratricidal wars and of the hatred that has fuelled them for years through acts of violence, great and small. At the same time, we wish to offer our wholehearted encouragement to every initiative that restores respect, mutual consideration and esteem, and fosters peaceful coexistence among the peoples living in the land of Jesus.

The Order of the Holy Sepulchre supports the prudent decisions taken by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and calls on all those who love the Holy Land to show solidarity and offer their prayers.

Easter promises us the triumph of light over darkness and the triumph of life over hatred.

+ Fernando Card. Filoni
Grand Master of the Order
From the Vatican, March 25, 2026, on the Solemnity of the Annunciation