The Italian government has announced its plan to gradually return to normalcy. It has authorized the reopening of museums, bars and hair salons in upcoming weeks.
Nevertheless, attending Mass is still not permitted. The only exception is for funerals with a maximum of 15 attendees.
Italian bishops protest what they call an “arbitrary” decision, which, they say, “compromises freedom of religion.” They say the “commitment to serving the poor—so important in this emergency—stems from a faith that must be nourished by the sacramental life.”
VINCENZO MORGANTE
Director, Tv2000
“[The Church] asks to be able to return to celebrating Mass with the people, organizing, with security, without imprudence nor superficiality, the life of their communities. [These citizens] are responsible when they get on the bus to go to work and restart the economy. [They are] responsible when they go to church to participate in Mass and receive communion.”
The pope agreed to the measures taken to contain the epidemic, and he hasn't held any public meetings since the Angelus on March 1.
But last week he warned of the danger of “viralizing” the sacraments. He remembered the current situation is provisional.
POPE FRANCIS
It's true that in this moment, we have to build familiarity with the Lord in this way, but only to get out of the tunnel, not to stay in it.
The Vatican has not announced when the pope will resume his public meetings, though it's not likely to happen before May 17.
JMB/CT
