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Catholics in France Oppose Prayer Service Restrictions Imposed on Places of
Worship

Nicolas Pinault

   PARIS - As French authorities ease some measures taken due to the
   coronavirus pandemic, Catholics in the country are challenging the size
   limit still imposed by the government on prayer services.

   The coronavirus pandemic places a heavy burden on France, where more
   than 50,000 people have died of COVID-19. Places of worship were still
   open during the lockdown, but regular prayer services were banned due
   to health concerns.

   Believers in France were relieved this week when French Prime Minister
   Jean Castex announced that prayer services could resume Saturday in
   places of worship.

   During a press conference, Castex explained it would be progressive in
   places of worship, as they have become clusters during the pandemic, in
   France and all over the world. Only 30 people at a time will be allowed
   at prayer services inside places of worship and with stringent sanitary
   measures. That number might increase by December 15, when the lockdown
   ends, if the epidemic is under control, the French prime minister said.

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