This archive report was first published on 18 May 2020.
On May 17, 2020, Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican reopened to visitors after being closed for over two months due to Italy's lockdown orders to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Visitors were required to observe social distancing rules and have their temperatures taken before entering the church, which has been closed since March 10.
Italy was the first country to go into a full lockdown, bringing the economy to its knees, and the official death toll from the virus now stands at around 32,000.
The government started lifting restrictions on May 4, and on Sunday, joggers, walkers, and cyclists were plentiful on the streets of Rome's historic centre.
Restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, and hairdressers, among other businesses, were expected to reopen on Monday, with public masses also resuming.
However, Pope Francis is not yet expected to lead any public religious ceremonies either in the basilica or in Saint Peter's Square, as the Vatican seeks to avoid crowds.
Instead, Francis will celebrate a private mass on Monday, broadcast by video, in front of the tomb of John Paul II, on the 100th anniversary of the birth of the Polish-born pontiff.
Other churches in Italy, including the Duomo cathedral in Milan, will also conduct mass on Monday, with the cathedral introducing gadgets to ensure social distancing.
