Pope Francis today Monday, re-opens the Vatican after a 2month lockdown amidst the dreaded covid19 pandemic.
Subsequently, Mass held this morning at the Saint Peter’s Basilica. The entire premises was fumigated and sanitised before and after mass. Mass also held in Catholic Churches across Italy as the country begins its gradual easing of lockdown.
The pope held the service to commemorate the 100th birthday of Pope John Paul II inside a chapel where the late Pope was buried.
Pope John Paul II was canonised in 2014.
In today’s homily, the Pope enjoined Catholic faithfuls to bear in mind that:
“Today we remember the great faith and example of #JohnPaulII. Let us hear the echo of his appeal to open wide the doors to Christ, to not be afraid. Let us walk joyfully along the paths of the world, following the footsteps of the giant who has preceded us. We are never alone!”
Church services were held under strict observance of social distancing as signs within the premises advised people on the requirements. Body temperatures of church members were taken on arrival while sitting arrangements were done in strict observance of of the 1.5m spacing.
The bronze statue of St Peter is cordoned off to avoid pilgrims and faithfuls kissing it as is the tradition.
Some Italians, specifically the Romans were glad with the scanty presence of foreign pilgrims. This is in view of the fact that they can temporarily worship quietly in the church they claim belongs primarily to them.
Reverend Fathers are under strict instructions to wear masks when they distribute holy communion. They must also not place the communion on church members’ tongues. Rather, the communion elements are to be given to each communicant by hand.
It is not yet certain when the Pope re-opens the Vatican fully. However, Pope Francis has continued to air virtual mass services since March from his home until today, the 18th of May.
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