(ANSA) - Rome, April 16 - The Italian Bishops Conference
(CEI) on Thursday said it would ask the government to be allowed
to hold Masses and funerals as Italy emerges from coronavirus
lockdown into 'phase two' of living with the virus.
The CEI said it would like to hold Masses with volunteers
ensuring social distancing and funerals, baptisms and weddings
with the presence of close relations and some community contact
while wearing personal protective equipment.
"With all the attention required by the emergency we must
return to 'inhabiting' the Church, the country has a profound
need for that, there is a huge demand and responding means
giving a contribution to social cohesion," CEI Undersecretary
father Ivan Maffeis told ANSA.
The current lockdown measures are set to run until May 3.
Bishops set to ask to hold Masses, funerals in phase two
Huge demand, response would help social cohesion says CEI