Pope Francis – opposite a deserted square – has expressed his blessing on the city of Rome and the world from the steps in front of St. Peter’s. A unique event, because the urbi et orbi is usually reserved for a few specific occasions: at Christmas and Easter and just after the election of a new pope.
But this is not an ordinary year. The coronavirus caused all celebrations to be canceled. The churches in Italy remain open, but you cannot attend mass, confess or go to communion. Also, all Holy Week celebrations, from Palm Easter to Easter Sunday High Mass, should take place without the presence of believers and those interested.
This also applies to St. Peter, where the Pope will lead the celebrations with only a few employees. The Roman Catholic Church must also adhere to the rules of the Italian lockdown and keep distance. Even though Pope Francis tries to make that distance as small as possible.
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