A poll of Catholics in the Campania region of Italy found the majority supportive of the Government’s restrictions on religion during the first phase of the Covid19 lockdown in March [1]. Public worship with limits on number returned in Italy on Monday.
4,032 responded to a poll conducted by a research team from three universities in Benevento, Caserta and Naples.
Regarding the Government’s limitations on religious practice, 33% considered it an expression of the right collaboration of State and Church; 26% thought it a necessary measure that the government had to adopt; and 20% said it was a fair limitation of a person’s rights, as inspired by personal and social responsibility. On the other hand, 8% said it was a violation of religious freedom; 3% an abuse of Government; while 6% said it was the responsibility of bishops and priests who were not able to defend their reasons.
Regarding specific limitations, 49% said the ban on funerals was the one they agreed with the least. Next was not being able to attend mass on Easter which registered with 13%.
Regarding what they missed the most, 32% indicated the lack of holy communion; ahead of 29% who pointed to the lack of religious comforts and a funeral if they or a relative were to die.