An Italian Catholic priest traveling to the Holy Land was blocked from entering Israel and deported, prompting questions over freedom of expression and religious access.

According to The Jerusalem Post, Don Nandino Capovilla, a priest from Venice, was turned away at Ben-Gurion Airport and sent back to Europe due to what Israeli authorities called public security concerns, though his delegation continued its pilgrimage without him.

Capovilla had flown to Israel as part of a 16-member religious group led by Archbishop Giovanni Ricchiuti, president of Pax Christi Italy, a Catholic peace organization. The group’s itinerary included visits to Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and cities within the West Bank. The pilgrimage was described on Pax Christi Italy’s website as a tour devoted to justice in the region.

Upon arrival at Tel Aviv's Ben-Gurion Airport, Capovilla was stopped immediately after disembarking from his flight, according to reports from the Veneto TourGuide news site. He was then brought to an airport holding facility and detained there for about seven hours. During this time, authorities officially denied him entry into the country.

Documentation Cites Security Risks Without Details

The formal reason given for refusal, according to a written notification issued at the airport, was “considerations relating to public security, public safety, or public order.” Capovilla withheld his signature from the entry denial form, signaling disagreement with the cited justification. No further details were offered by the Israeli authorities.

Capovilla was deported shortly afterward. He traveled first to Cyprus, then flew home to Italy via Frankfurt. Before leaving Israeli soil, authorities returned his personal belongings, including a phone and suitcase.

Upon his return, Capovilla addressed the situation through a statement on Facebook. He discouraged journalists from focusing solely on his experience, emphasizing instead what he framed as the broader plight of Palestinians living under Israeli control. He stated that no journalist should quote or interview him without also referring to those “who have been prisoners in their land for seventy years.”

Connection to Activist Writings Raises Speculation

Capovilla has previously served as a coordinator for Pax Christi Italy and remains outspoken in his critique of Israeli policies. He co-authored a book titled Under the Gaza Sky, which challenges the framing of violence in the region and highlights restrictions faced by Palestinians, particularly in Gaza. Chapters in the book include “When They Take Away Your Freedom to Leave” and “When They Take Away Your Water.”

The priest has described Israel’s actions regarding the Palestinian territories as a form of genocide. Additionally, the promotional blurb for his book criticizes narratives that limit attention to incidents after October 7, 2023, arguing that the hardship faced by Palestinians predates recent escalations.

Archbishop Ricchiuti, who led the pilgrimage, voiced his disappointment over Israel’s refusal to admit Capovilla. He said their group had tried various attempts to resolve the matter but were ultimately unsuccessful. “We tried everything, pulled every string, but it was no use,” Ricchiuti remarked.

Delegation Continues Despite Setback

Although Capovilla was denied entry, the rest of the delegation was allowed to proceed into Israel. The group continued with its planned religious tour, including visits to Bethlehem. Ricchiuti expressed concerns that the deportation may have been related to Capovilla’s recent publication.

Pax Christi Italy, the organization behind the group visit, has a global network of 120 Catholic peace organizations. On its website, it urges the Italian government to adopt a more critical stance toward Israel, calling for stability in the region through the recognition of a Palestinian state, weapon supply halts, and formal condemnations.

Following the incident, Ricchiuti reaffirmed the group’s mission, stating their goal was to build bridges rather than reinforce barriers. “We’re here,” he explained, “on a pilgrimage as part of our campaign for justice and peace.”

Wider Implications for Religious Travel and Advocacy

The episode has drawn attention not only in church and activist circles but also in the Italian press. Coverage appeared in mainstream outlets such as Corriere della Sera and local networks, including the Veneto TourGuide platform. Observers have raised concerns over the relationship between political expression and access to sacred regions.

Capovilla’s experience highlights an ongoing tension between national security policies and international religious visits, particularly in areas with complex geopolitical contexts. Israel’s use of vague “public security” language in denying entry is not unprecedented, but it has stirred debate about who gets access to holy sites.

While Capovilla remains excluded for now, the rest of the Pax Christi Italy delegation concluded their visits in the Holy Land with no further reported interruptions. Whether future Catholic delegations will face similar challenges remains unclear.