Rome, Italy, Mar 15, 2020 / 09:35 am
Italian police on Sunday dispersed Catholics attending a Mass being celebrated in a parish outside of Rome. The Italian government has prohibited public gatherings in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Mass was being offered at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in the Italian town of Cerveteri, some 27 miles northwest of Rome. Earlier this month, the Italian bishops' conference confirmed government measures against public gatherings, effectively prohibiting the public celebration of Mass anywhere in the country.
Italian police interrupt Mass in Cerveteri District (Rome) that was being broadcast live on Facebook as there were people assembled outside praying in front of the Church. #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/YuDRP5qalB
- Alexey Gotovskiy (@go_alexey) March 15, 2020