Holy See in mourning for Italy and for the world

In an expression of solidarity with Italy and the whole world, the Vatican is joining an initiative promoted by Italian mayors to fly flags at half-mast in memory of victims of Covid-19.

By Vatican News

Cities and towns throughout Italy are flying their flags at half-mast at midday on Tuesday, 31 March, in mourning for the victims of Covid-19, and to honour “the sacrifice and commitment of healthcare workers”.

More than 38,000 people have died from coronavirus, and at least 700,000 people have been diagnosed with the disease.

The Holy See has willingly joined the initiative, as an expression of the Church’s “closeness to the victims of the pandemic in Italy and throughout the world, to their families, and to those who are generously fighting to put an end to it”, according to a statement from the Holy See Press Office.

The proposal was launched on Tuesday by ANCI, the Association of Italian Municipalities, with the intention of embracing all communities throughout Italy. It is intended as a sign “of being supportive of one another, as we mayors know how to do”, said Antonio Decaro, Mayor of Bari and President of ANCI.

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