VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Italian authorities on Thursday (May 7) gave the go-ahead for public Masses starting May 18, after the government and Catholic bishops struggled to find an accord that would ensure safety measures amid the coronavirus pandemic.
A protocol allowing Catholic faithful to attend Mass was signed Thursday by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte; the president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference (Cei), Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti; and the Italian minister of the Interior.
“The protocol is the fruit of a profound collaboration and synergy between the government, the Scientific and Technical Committee and Cei, in which each did his part responsibly,” Bassetti said during a news conference after the signing of the document.
For the first time since March 9, when the Italian government enacted a nationwide lockdown to limit the spread of the pandemic, Catholic faithful will be able to attend Mass with priests in places of worship.
The protocol specifies how churches must be sanitized and the faithful must be socially distanced to prevent contagions. Depending on the size of the place of worship, the number of people in attendance must be limited by volunteers at the entrance. Parishes and dioceses must also inform churchgoers about the safety measures in place.
“The required safety measures in the text present the appropriate methods and modalities to ensure the reopening of…
… Read More
Click here to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Christian Headlines.