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Vatican to Observe Holy Week Behind Closed Doors

Sabina Castelfranco

   The Vatican has taken an unprecedented decision due to the coronavirus
   outbreak. All Holy Week services with Pope Francis will be held without
   a congregation, including Easter Sunday mass.

   It will be a very different Holy Week for the faithful this year,
   particularly for those in Rome. No one will be allowed to attend any of
   the services due to the coronavirus outbreak. The large crowds in Saint
   Peter's Square will not be possible this year.

   A note on the web site of the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household
   that appeared late Saturday said the faithful will be able to follow
   the events as they are streamed on the internet or carried on
   television, but no one will be able to actively participate.

   Holy Week is normally one of the busiest times of the year for Pope
   Francis, with tens of thousands of people arriving from all over the
   world to join in celebrating the resurrection of Jesus.

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