COVID-19 pandemic Archives

India reports COVID-19 patients dying of lack of oxygen; leak kills 22

Apr 23, 2021

An oxygen leak at a government hospital in India has killed 22 COVID-19 patients as the entire country faces a huge shortage of oxygen to support pandemic-hit patients.

By Catholic News Service

As COVID-19 variants surge, Canadian churches struggle with restrictions

Apr 22, 2021

British Columbia had not allowed indoor Masses since November.

By Catholic News Service

Pope calls for monthlong global prayer marathon for end of pandemic

Apr 21, 2021

Pope Francis has called for a global prayer marathon for the entire month of May, praying for the end to the pandemic.

By Carol Glatz

Irish archbishop meets with govt. officials over law issuing fines, jail time for Mass attendance

Apr 20, 2021

Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh on Monday met with the Republic of Ireland’s health minister to discuss a new statute that bans public worship, imposing fines and even jail time for those who attend unauthorized events.

By Charles Collins

Head of Irish bishops calls new law on Mass attendance ‘draconian’

Apr 19, 2021

The head of the Irish bishops’ conference said the government’s move to criminalize attendance at Mass as part of COVID-19 regulations was a “potential infringement of religious freedom and of constitutional rights.”

By Michael Kelly, CNS

Pandemic blamed for creating conditions for increased human trafficking

Apr 18, 2021

The pandemic-related economic downturn, business closures, increase in global unemployment and reduced incomes have contributed to greater human trafficking of children, women, domestic workers and migrants without legal status.

By Tom Tracy

Rome or home? Expats look for best way to survive the pandemic

Apr 18, 2021

After a year without U.S. pilgrims, tourists and university students, some American expats in Rome have packed up and moved home. But others who teach at study abroad programs or work with pilgrims have expanded their services to a whole new clientele: People who have never visited the Eternal City and may never have the chance.

By Cindy Wooden

For these working stiffs, ambivalence rather than amore from the Pope

Apr 18, 2021

When workers take to the streets to protest government measures that leave them unable to do their jobs, and thus impoverished and alone, under ordinary circumstances one would expect Pope Francis to be the cheerleader-in-chief.

By John L. Allen Jr.