Vatican City, Apr 3, 2020 / 06:00 am
The Vatican Secretary of State said Friday that he hoped churches closed because of the coronavirus crisis would be reopened "as soon as possible."
In an interview published on the Vatican News website April 3, Cardinal Pietro Parolin also said he was disturbed by reports of Catholics dying without the Sacrament of the Sick and expressed concern about the disease's impact on impoverished countries.
The cardinal said: "The suspension of celebrating the liturgy was necessary to avoid large gatherings. However, in almost every city, churches remain open. I hope those that may have been closed will reopen as soon as possible. Jesus is present there in the Eucharist; priests continue to pray and celebrate Holy Mass for the faithful who cannot participate there. It is nice to think that the doors to God's house remain open, just as the doors of our houses remain open, even though we are strongly encouraged not to go out except for essential reasons."
Parolin acknowledged the suffering of Catholics who are currently deprived of the Sacraments because they are living under lockdown.