COVID-19 Archives - Page 4 of 10

COVID-19

Peruvian bishops ask for loosening of church restrictions

March 22, 2021

Due to the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic and the overwhelmed healthcare system, President Sagasti has announced classifications of the country’s regions into three levels, according to the severity of the pandemic: High, Very High and Extreme. In the Extreme category, churches and places of worship may not open. However, stores and shopping centers are permitted to be open at 20% capacity, and restaurants with indoor ventilation may open at 30% capacity.

The Pandemic Came, Christians Went Bonkers

March 16, 2021

Maybe Peter Wolfgang just doesn’t love freedom and Jesus enough. Still, it's fair to wonder - as he does in this piece - how much the reaction of our own tribes this past year was due to patriotism or Catholicism, and how much of it was simply that same desire to not lose control?

Pope Francis in Iraq: Not Your Typical Lenten Sunday

March 07, 2021

The Pope returns to Baghdad and departs for Rome Monday, having wound up what will be seen as a highly successful four-day historic pilgrimage.

Pope Francis in Iraq: A Joyful Beginning to an Historic Visit

March 05, 2021

Pope Francis ended the first day of his historic trip to Iraq with hymn singing, clapping and white and yellow flowered-garland handed by well wishers shouting: "Long Live the Pope (Viva il papa! In Italian, localised in "Viva La Papa!)" as he entered the Cathedral of Our Lady of Salvation in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.

Pope Francis to Bishops, Priests, Religious of Iraq

March 05, 2021

"You are part of [Iraq's] history," Pope Francis said, "faithfully bearing witness to God’s never-failing promises as you strive to build a new future."

Pope Francis in Iraq: Address to Civic and Political Leaders

March 05, 2021

"I come as a penitent," Pope Francis said, "asking forgiveness of heaven and my brothers and sisters for so much destruction and cruelty. I come as a pilgrim of peace in the name of Christ, the Prince of Peace."

Pope Francis: At the Presidential Palace in Iraq

March 05, 2021

"It's indescribable," said one worshipper, 53-year-old Martin Scekes, who survived the bombing and decided to stay. Mr. Scekes told the Catholic Herald: "The Pope coming to see us will lift our hearts."

Iraq on Tenterhooks ahead of Pope Francis’s Arrival

March 05, 2021

Christians have been waiting more than 20 years for a Pope to come see them, after St John Paul II's pilgrimage was abandoned when talks broke down with the then-President Saddam Hussein. Security concerns prevented successor Pope Benedict XVI accepting an invitation. It's not only Christian communities who are excited.