The basic agreement on masses, between the government and the Italian Episcopal Conference, has been reached.

“I express my satisfaction, that of the bishops and, more generally, of the ecclesial community for having come to share the lines of an agreement, which will allow, in the coming weeks, based on the evolution of the epidemiological curve, to resume the celebration of Masses with the people,” announced the President of the Italian Episcopal Conference, Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti. This means that, “probably by the end of the month,” as Avvenire indicates, we could return to all liturgies. It is not unlikely, according to the newspaper of the CEI, that the Eucharist with the presence of the faithful could resume as early as Ascension or Pentecost, that is, either May 24 or 31.

"As a Church - Bassetti acknowledges - we have shared, certainly with suffering, the limitations imposed to protect everyone's health, without any desire to seek breaks or shortcuts, nor to support anyone's rush forward; we have moved with a view to responsibility, especially to protect the most exposed. I reiterate the importance of not lowering our guard but of welcoming health measures in the context of respecting everyone's health, as well as the indications of the times necessary to best protect it".

The Church of Sardinia could have accelerated since the governor Christian Solinas had given the go-ahead as early as May 4. But the local bishops are holding back and waiting for the CEI's indications. Throughout Italy, however, funerals will be allowed from Monday, May 4, even if the provisions, between thermoscanners and masks, are creating organizational complications, and the bishops are responding in no particular order.