Pope Francis said Monday that the COVID-19 restrictions must still respect freedom of religion.

In his annual speech to the diplomatic corps, he told the assembly that the need to halt the spread of the virus had implications for a number of fundamental freedoms, including religious freedom, restricting public worship and the educational and charitable activities of faith communities.

“It must be recognized, however, that religion is a fundamental aspect of the human person and of society, and cannot be eliminated. Even as we seek ways to protect human lives from the spread of the virus, we cannot view the spiritual and moral dimension of the human person as less important than physical health”, he said.

He added that freedom of worship is not a corollary of the freedom of assembly.

“It is in essence derived from the right to freedom of religion, which is the primary and fundamental human right. This right must therefore be respected, protected and defended by civil authorities, like the right to bodily and physical health. For that matter, sound care of the body can never ignore care of the soul.”