Saint Peter's Basilica reopens to visitors today, marking a relative return to normality at the Vatican and beyond in Italy, where most business activity is set to resume.
Public masses also resume throughout the predominantly Catholic country after a two-month hiatus, while restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and hairdressers, among other businesses, are all expected to reopen.
In the face of much opposition, including from Pope Francis, churches in Rome were closed at the beginning of the coronavirus emergency in early March.
Most, however, opened shortly thereafter, with entry reserved for prayer only. "I share the joy of those communities who can finally reunite as liturgical assemblies, a sign of hope for all society," the Pope said during