Two French priests were detained by the police for holding Easter Mass without masks. They are accused of non-compliance with sanitary standards introduced after the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
The investigation began after an Easter service in one of the Parisian churches due to the fact that priests and parishioners were without masks and did not observe social distance. The clergy, in particular, are accused of deliberately endangering the lives of others and holding meetings of more than six people without taking precautions.
Local church hierarchs have announced that they will begin their own out-of-court proceedings; it is possible that these priests will be prohibited from conducting services for a certain period.
As the accused priest noted, the clergy 'did not expect such an extraordinary influx of people on Easter,' although the church has increased the number of masses. It is reported that at least 280 people were present at that service.
