'7,353 COVID-19 Cases' Italy Suspends Catholic Ceremonies Until July 3

Pope Francis is coughing during his homily at the Sunday Angelus prayer held at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican on the 1st of this month (local time). The Pope informed the faithful that he would not be able to attend the Lenten retreat this year due to a cold.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] Italy, where the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has reached 7,353, will suspend all Catholic ceremonies attended by believers nationwide until March 3.

The Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI) sent a notice to dioceses across the country, including Rome, on the 8th (local time) to announce the decision to fully suspend ceremonies.

This decision follows the Italian government's policy to suspend all gatherings, meetings, and religious ceremonies, including funerals, nationwide until March 3. Italy is home to the Vatican, the headquarters of Catholicism, and over 90% of the population are Catholic believers.

Pope Francis, concerned about the spread of COVID-19, presided over the usual Sunday Angelus prayer, which is typically held at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, via live internet broadcast instead of attending in person the day before.