Vatican City’s first coronavirus (COVID-19) case has been confirmed. A number of precautionary measures have been implemented to contain the disease, a Vatican spokesman says. These include: Closing some of the Vatican’s offices. Shutting down and disinfecting the Vatican health clinic. Putting a Vatican official into a protective quarantine after he came into contact with Read more
Pope Francis said he felt “caged” when he made his Sunday blessing over the internet from inside the Vatican instead of from a window on Sunday. “It’s a bit strange this Angelus prayer today with the pope caged in the library, but I see you, and I am close to you,” he said. This is Read more
Japanese dioceses have chosen to suspend Masses for several weeks due to the ongoing coronavirus epidemic across the country. Last week, the Archdiocese of Tokyo cancelled all public Masses for more than two weeks in order to prevent the spread of the virus — a policy in line with secular precautions being taken by the Read more
Ten people at a five-day megachurch gathering last month in France’s Grand Est region’s fourth largest city have contracted coronavirus. The French health ministry on Mar. 3 urged the thousands of other people who were at the Feb. 17-21 evangelical rally in the Alsatian city of Malhouse to watch for possible symptoms of COVID-19. Five Read more
Coronavirus fever has hit the press, with outright statements that Pope Francis has the COVID-19 strain of the virus. Francis, who has been coughing during several recent appearances, cancelled public events and his attendance at a week-long spiritual retreat to mark the start of each Lenten season. The Vatican has confirmed, however, that the pope Read more
The coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic in China has had a surprising outcome – a 25% drop in carbon emissions. The “unprecedented” reduction in emissions volume followed Chinese attempts to contain the virus. Entire cities have been locked down, highways emptied, airplanes grounded, factories shuttered and millions of people confined to their homes. Finland-based climate researcher Lauri Read more
Airborne demons are responsible for the coronavirus but it has been claimed some born-again Christians could have special protection from it. “Satan has control of atmospheres unless you’re a born-again, Jesus-loving, bible-believing, Holy Ghost-filled, tithe-paying believer.” This is what Bishop Brain Tamaki told the people at Destiny’s South Auckland centre and live stream viewers on Read more
The Vatican denies Pope Francis has the Coronavirus, calling it a “slight indisposition”. Pope Francis fell sick in Rome — a day after publically shaking pilgrim’s hands and kissing babies; his usual practice. Since then he has cancelled several public appearances including three larger audiences with groups but has continued private audiences. On Sunday Francis Read more
There’s been a rapid spike in coronavirus disease, or Covid-19, cases in South Korea, and about half of the 433 confirmed cases are linked to a secretive religious group often viewed with suspicion by more traditional religious sects. At least 182 Covid-19 cases have come from the Shincheonji Church of Jesus in the city of Read more
Several major Italy dioceses cancelled Ash Wednesday services and have suspended public Masses. Others are doing nothing. Among the dioceses taking extended precautionary measures is Veneto. School and major public events have been cancelled until 1 March. The Venice Carnival has also been cancelled, as have several major sporting events. Museums are closed. Some areas Read more