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In light of the decrees issued by the President of the Council of Ministers to combat and contain the spread of Covid-19, the Catholic Church in Italy worked with the civil authorities to ensure that gatherings in church settings would not increase the risk of infection. The purpose of this paper is to provide an in-depth analysis and assessment of the measures taken by ecclesiastical authorities – the Holy See, Italian Episcopal Conference, Regional Episcopal Conferences, Diocesan Bishops – within the intrinsically flexible framework of ius Ecclesiae, enabling solutions that would avoid gatherings while also ensuring full freedom to enact the salvific mission of the Church, which is expressed above all in the liturgy and the sacraments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores canonical administrative activity in relation to buildings and other places of worship (churches, oratories, private chapels and sanctuaries) in church praxis in Italy, based on CIC rules and instructions issued by the Italian episcopal conference. In light of an analysis of the elements and effects of deputatio ad cultum, reparatio iniuriae and reductio ad usus profanos, the praxis with regard to concerts, tours, exhibitions, etc. is addressed, as well as the award of licenses and approvals relating to places of worship. The Italy-specific system enabling the juridical-pastoral description of churches established by the Italian episcopal conference is a particular focus of inquiry, along with agreements drafted to commend or concede the use of a church. Finally, the praxis governing the construction of new churches in the Diocese of Rome, which is entrusted exclusively to the ORPF, is discussed. The appendices comprise a set of model forms and regulations used in Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]