The church and government in Italy are making plans which would allow for the gradual--though limited--resumption of public Masses and funerals.

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, former Vatican press officer, reflects on how Pope Francis is able to reach out to the faithful via the media during the pandemic.

Pope Francis said he knows it is not easy to be creative as the lockdown drags on, "but don't run away, don't take refuge in escapism, which in this time is of no use to you."

In an interview April 4 with Vatican News, the cardinal said that despite the war, up to this point Christians in Syria celebrated Holy Week and Easter every year, "even under the risk of bombs and mortar attacks."

"We pray for the sick and their families, for health workers and those who help them, for civic leaders, police and volunteers and for the ministers of our communities," the pope said.

The decree was signed by Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the congregation, and by Archbishop Arthur Roche, secretary.

While public gatherings, including Masses, have been banned in Italy through April 3, Holy Week begins with the Palm Sunday liturgy April 5, so the notification from the Prefecture of the Papal Household was read as a sign that the ban would be extended, at least at the Vatican.

Vatican offices will remain open to ensure "essential services for the universal church," but each office is being asked to evaluate the best ways to provide those services while observing health precautions and guidelines on safe distancing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The coronavirus pandemic has radically changed life in Italy.

Pope Francis continues to celebrate daily Mass which is livestreamed because of the coronavirus crisis.