Pope Francis is further limiting his public appearances to prevent crowds from gathering as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus, which by Saturday had reached the tiny Mediterranean island nation of Malta.
The coronavirus outbreak is tightening its grip on day-to-life life across Europe, particularly in Italy, which is the country with the most cases outside of Asia.
Italian police requested a stop to gatherings in St. Peter’s Square.
In compliance, the Vatican said Francis will deliver his next two public blessings via video, rather than in person.
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