U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and Sen. Ted Cruz have criticized Israel for barring the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and Rev. Francesco Ielpo, the official guardian of the church, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Palm Sunday mass. The Latin Patriarchate stated that the two were stopped en route while privately and without characteristics of a procession or ceremonial act, and were compelled to turn back. This marked the first time in centuries that officials from the Roman Catholic Church were prevented from celebrating Palm Sunday at the church. The Israeli police's decision to bar the officials was criticized by world leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.