The Catholic bishops of France have expresses their keen disappointment with a decision by the Council of State to uphold a ban on public celebration of Mass. However the bishops, in a public statement, assured the faithful that the restriction was approved “based solely on health grounds,” and not directed specifically at the Catholic Church. Under the latest rules, until December 1 all religious gatherings are banned, while schools and other “essential services” remain open. The bishops called for a special effort to open churches in time for Christmas.