Rome: At least 109 clergymen have died in Italy following Coronavirus disease. The New York Times reports that most of the dead are people who have served their patients spiritually, including Bergamo. In just 20 days, 24 priests have died in the diocese of Bergamo. About half of them are retired. The rest were active in the spiritual affairs of the sick. The New York Times reports that some clergymen have expressed frustration that they are unable to work among the ecclesiastics where their presence is most needed.
The Italian bishop’s newspaper Avenir also noted that most of the priests had died of the virus while serving among the sick. The report points out that people are realizing the need for a great presence of priests at this time of death and isolation. Meanwhile, Bergamo bishop Francesco Beschi said there are many clergymen in the service who are at risk of infection.
