The cardinal heading the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union has called for COVID-19 passports in order to attend religious services in Europe, The Tablet reported.
Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg, who serves as president of the Bishops’ conference (COMECE) called on Catholic priests who have resisted coronavirus restrictions to support them.
Hollerich’s comments come as Europe is experiencing a surge in coronavirus infections due to the highly transmissible Omicron variant.
“During this phase when the pandemic is resurgent, we must save lives, and this green pass should welcome people to Mass,” said Cardinal Hollerich.
“Since Christmas, a law has been in force in Luxembourg allowing only those vaccinated to participate in liturgies, except in the case of celebrations with fewer than 20 faithful. Some priests have objected, and this isn’t helping the search for a solution,” he said according to the report.
In an interview with Italy’s La Nazione, Hollerich said that priests who have resisted restrictions on Mass attendance had caused “hurt and disorientation.”
COMECE is made up of Catholic bishops delegated by he Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of the 27 Member States of the European Union. Its stated mission is to “monitor the political process of the European Union in all areas of interest to the Church.”
Proof of vaccination and/or a negative COVID test is now required to enter churches in Switzerland, Croatia, the Netherlands, and Greece.
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