Coronavirus: Catholic Church forgives the sins of worshippers affected, their families and healthcare workers
In a special decree on March 20, the Catholic Church announced that it is granting forgiveness - under certain conditions - for the sins of the faithful struck by coronavirus. The conditions include the sick saying a certain number of prayers or following important celebrations from a distance.
This unprecedented edict published by the Vatican also covers healthcare workers and those who pray for their wellbeing. It also extended forgiveness for relatives who care for their sick family members. It also mandated that those who pray for the caregivers' wellbeing, must also read the Bible 'for at least half an hour', to qualify for the Church's forgiveness.
Vatican City itself has confirmed one infection. St Peter's Square has been closed down to prevent the spread of the virus. Tourism has been particularly hit after the Sistine Chapel and other Vatican museum sites were also closed.
Those living in the Vatican, surrounded by Rome, are following strict guidelines restricting movement and contact among its personnel in a bid to contain the virus. Pope Francis has been celebrating Mass by himself, practicing 'social distancing' from his followers. The 83-year-old pontiff was reportedly tested for the virus as a precaution after coming down with a cold last month. His apparent illness raised alarms after he had hugged and kissed worshippers in St Peter's Square after coughing and blowing his nose in church.
Though he is thought to have tested negative for coronavirus, the Vatican has not confirmed or denied the Pope's test results. Though he himself is in isolation, he has urged other clergymen to "have the courage" to visit the sick. This, however, might not be the soundest advice. At least 18 priests have died of coronavirus in Italy, after exposing themselves to the virus by comforting sick patients with the most severe symptoms.
At least 10 priests have died of Covid-19 in the diocese of Bergamo near Milan, according to Catholic newspaper Avvenire. Another five deaths were registered in the city of Parma, while other cases have emerged in Brescia, Cremona, and Milan, all in northern Italy.
“The number of priests who have died this week and that of those who are still in a particularly serious situation is very high,” said the bishop of Bergamo, Francesco Beschi in a radio interview. "We no longer know where to put the dead," he told the Vatican News site later.
The note accompanying the Church's decree provided for some eventualities linked with providing the "Sacrament of Reconciliation" for those affected by the Covid-19 virus. It explains that the diocesan bishop has complete discretion over the administration of collective absolution except where there is an “imminent danger of death” or a “grave necessity.” Individual confession remains the ordinary way of celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation.