coronavirus
Vatican closes St. Peter’s Square, Basilica to tourists
St. Peter's Basilica has turned silent as the Vatican closed sites to tourists from March 10 through at least April 3 to help stop the spread of the coronavirus among large groups of people.
Catholic doctors offer online coronavirus care
A Catholic virtual health website with more than 40 medical professionals, MyCatholicDoctor, offers initial screenings and health tips in response to the virus and the disease it causes, COVID-19.
Catholic colleges cancel public classes amid virus threat
Catholic universities joined more than 40 U.S. colleges and universities that canceled in-person classes and began offering them online to "reduce potential pathways" for the spread of the coronavirus.
Dioceses adopt wide-ranging plans to limit spread of coronavirus
With more than 100,000 cases worldwide and 250 in the U.S., the Catholic community is stressing caution and prevention. One bishop excused the sick and health care workers from their Lenten fasts.
Bethlehem holy sites to be closed after COVID-19 reported at hotel
The Catholic Church in Jerusalem urged its faithful to cooperate with the Palestinian Authority following its order March 5 to close all schools, universities, mosques and churches, including the Church of the Nativity.
Person tests positive for coronavirus in Vatican City
The Vatican health clinic was closed temporarily "in order to sanitize the area after a patient tested positive for COVID-19," said a spokesman March 6. Some meetings and social events have been suspended.
Preventing pandemic: Vatican moves to stop spread of coronavirus
With travel restrictions in Italy and the government's order to close all schools until March 15, holy places like the Duomo in Milan and the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican are eerily empty.
As COVID-19 spreads, Catholic entities worldwide take precautions
Catholic dioceses, shrines and aid agencies including Catholic Relief Services are restricting travel and enacting preventative hygiene measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Archdiocese calls for protection against coronavirus at Mass
Washing hands, skipping the sign of peace, omitting Communion from the chalice and refreshing holy water fonts can help prevent the potential spread of the disease, say new guidelines.
Some Catholic colleges halt programs abroad, fearing virus
Several U.S. Catholic colleges and universities, including Villanova, have canceled their international programs in Italy this semester while others are ready to cut programs short if necessary.