After Pope Francis warned against ‘drastic measures’ not always being good, the Diocese of Rome has authorized churches being opened.

This move effectively reverses a decision made yesterday, March 12, saying that all Churches across Rome would be closed respecting guidelines put out by Italian authorities.

The March 13 decree, signed by Vicar General of Rome, Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, modifying yesterday’s act, leaves the decision to reopen to the ‘conscience’ and ‘responsibility’ of each church pastor.

The move followed the spreading of the Coronavirus which has claimed the lives of more than 1000 people across Italy, and has put the country on lockdown.

During the Pope’s private but televised Mass at his residence this morning, the Pope reflected on the crisis.

While stressing today he wished to pray for pastors who need to accompany the people of God during this crisis, he added: “May the Lord grant them the strength and the ability to choose the best ways to help.”

“Drastic measures,” he underscored, “are not always good.”

Therefore, he prayed the Holy Spirit grant “pastoral discernment” to pastors so that “they might perceive measures that might not leave the holy, faithful people of God alone, and so that people of God might feel accompanied by their pastors.”

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