like Cardinal Konrad Krajewski to ignore the directive. Pope Francis himself disapproved and requested that the decree be rescinded. Libanori himself agreed that churches needed to remain open and so sided with the pope on the issue. He issued a letter on 19 March to the priests in the central sector of the diocese where he expressed his opinions. The letter was published in La Civilità Cattolica entitled "Faith at the time of Covid-19". Libanori noted that "many complain that the closing of the churches is part of the restrictions" but affirmed that "it is the state, not the church, that must legislate in terms of public health". The bishop further elaborated that "an open church might also be a sign of comfort" for the people during the pandemic. References External links Catholic Hierarchy 1953 births 21st-century Italian titular bishops Bishops appointed by Pope Francis Bishops in Lazio Living people Jesuit bishops Italian Jesuits Members of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints People from the Province of Ferrara