Ireland

Archbishop of Dublin urges churches to stick to coronavirus restrictions

A woman offers hand gel to a worshipper before entering Saint Roch church in Paris last weekend. Picture by Francois Mori, AP Photo
A woman offers hand gel to a worshipper before entering Saint Roch church in Paris last weekend. Picture by Francois Mori, AP Photo A woman offers hand gel to a worshipper before entering Saint Roch church in Paris last weekend. Picture by Francois Mori, AP Photo
By Aine McMahon and Press Association

The Archbishop of Dublin has urged churches to adhere to Covid-19 restrictions after a Dublin church held a mass.

Government guidelines advise that places of worship such as churches should not reopen until phase four of its roadmap for lifting restrictions, which is set for July 20.

In a statement on Thursday, Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin said public health policy will only work when its proposals are fully respected by all.

[ READ MORE: Coronavirus lockdown sparks surge in online worship ]

"The Dublin parish referred to in media reports in these days has in fact a policy statement on its website stating unambiguously 'public attendance at daily or Sunday Mass is not permissible during the current pandemic'," he said. "I am assured that the parish has now returned to that policy.

"This Irish church is working intensely to ensure that the reopening of churches for public worship will be take place in a manner and at a time that is safe.

"I appeal to all churches in the Archdiocese of Dublin to adhere strictly to public policy, even if it involves patience and personal suffering."

An organist wears a clear visor at a church in Paris, where Masses resumed at the weekend. Picture by Francois Mori, AP Photo
An organist wears a clear visor at a church in Paris, where Masses resumed at the weekend. Picture by Francois Mori, AP Photo An organist wears a clear visor at a church in Paris, where Masses resumed at the weekend. Picture by Francois Mori, AP Photo

He added that the Irish Bishops Conference will shortly publish a detailed document and checklist regarding the steps that each parish must take before the reopening of churches.

He said: "I repeat the words of Pope Francis when churches in Italy were reopened for public worship - 'but please, let us proceed respecting the norms, the prescriptions we are given to safeguard the health of each individual and the people'."