Fatima, Portugal, Mar 13, 2021 / 16:01 pm
The Bishop of Leiria-Fátima, António Cardinal dos Santos Marto, announced that the 2021 pilgrimage to Fatima will take place virtually due to existing restrictions in Portugal because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The cardinal encouraged the faithful to make a spiritual pilgrimage instead.
In the pastoral message entitled "Eight days of spiritual pilgrimage to the Fatima Shrine" Cardinal Marto explained that the diocese is unable to hold the pilgrimage in person due to the need to protect "the common good of people's health."
He said these measures are painful and increase the longing of the faithful to be at the shrine and with the community gathered there in prayer as in the past.