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On the one hand, the invitation to scrupulously follow the rules and directions of health institutions to counteract the coronavirus, on the other, a fairly marked “intolerance” in the use of a mask and in keeping a distance with the faithful. Pope Bergoglio was shown only once in a strictly white mask, at the end of a general audience as he entered the small car that was taking him back to Santa Marta. Yesterday morning, during the usual Wednesday audience, held in the Paul VI Hall due to the rain, he shook and kissed the hands of the monsignors and the faithful. Always with a mask-free face. A few hours before President Conte announced the obligation to wear protective equipment even outdoors.
The Pope, before the prudence shown as head of the papal State, has always accompanied a kind of intolerance when distancing himself from that people of God that he loves to embrace and meet so much. Prudence, however, points out the Vatican, is not lacking. The Pope greets the faithful gathered behind the barriers, but “almost always” maintains a certain distance. And “very often” he avoids touching his hands, rosaries or other sacred objects. However there are some exceptions. Like yesterday when Francesco broke some rules. So much as to arouse some discontent on Twitter from users who asked the Pope to “set a good example.”
If during the confinement the Pope reluctantly agreed to address the faithful via streaming, and the first time the faithful returned, at the beginning of September, he did not hide his joy, the Vatican administration has decided not to return to the streets. San Pedro for the public, but opting for a more reduced and controlled environment, specifically in the Patio de San Dámaso, inside the apostolic palace: chairs at a safe distance, strict temperature controls at the entrance. Yesterday, however, due to the heavy rain, the general audience closed again, in Aula Nervi. But the Pope does not seem to change his attitude: “Shepherd among the sheep.”
