Restrictions on public worship can be justified “in situations of a sharp rise in the numbers contracting the Covid-19 virus” Catholic Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin has said.
“This has been reasserted in these days in Great Britain and by French courts,” he said. Currently only four places in Europe have completely stopped public worship: Belgium, France, England and Ireland. The Republic of Ireland remains the only country in Europe to stop public worship in mid-level restrictions.
The restrictions, however, “should be limited to the shortest period necessary,” he said. Currently, under regulations from level 3 to level 5, public Masses and other religious services may not take place in Ireland, although places of worship can remain open for private prayer. An exception is made for weddings and funerals.
