Pope warns Italy not to announce victory too early against COVID-19

Francescu addressed several hundred people at St. Peter's Square and reacted to the applause he received when he said their presence, although reduced, was a sign Italy had moved to the worst stage of pandemic.

“Be careful. Do not announce victory too quickly “, the pope warned by diverting from the prepared text.

In Italy, the Coronavirus claimed some 34,000 lives - the fourth largest number in the world after the United States, Britain and Brazil.

The number of new deaths in Italy has dropped from nearly a thousand months ago to 72 on Saturday.

Italy entered the third phase of easing restrictions on 3 June. Residents are allowed to travel again among the regions.

However, some Italians, especially young people, still do not respect the current social distance and wear of masks to public places. Authorities warn of the danger of the second wave.

“ande should respect the measures,” said the Pope.

“Thank God, we're getting out of the worst period, but always respecting the rules set by the authorities”.

Pope Francis also said that it should not be forgotten that the Coronavirus takes many lives in other countries.

He added that on Friday he has heard that in a state of Covid-19 he takes a life every minute.

Horrible “”, he concluded, not discovering which place he was in.