Mixed messages on Biden reveal not just competing camps, but divided hearts
- Jan 22, 2021
Late August in Rome marks the apex of the summer doldrums, the last chance to get away before the press of the fall begins. Pretty much nothing happens in the city, and that very much includes the Vatican.
The committee in charge of drafting coronavirus restrictions for the Italian government has given the bishops permission to drop the use of gloves while distributing communion as well as the requirement for spouses to wear masks during weddings.
Although when public liturgies may resume in the Vatican remains unclear, the church in Italy, anyway, is going back to business – but it’s likely to be far from business as usual.
If early returns are any indication, the way in which the Mass ban is lifted may turn out to be just as controversial, and just as messy, as imposing it in the first place.
One solutions reportedly being considered is a “take-away” communion, because distribution of the Eucharist is considered to have a “high contagion risk.” Hosts would be placed in plastic bags to be consecrated by priests and left on shelves for people to take.