To prevent crowds in public places like churches, cemeteries, and columbaries as a safety measure against COVID-19, the Vatican has announced the extension of the plenary indulgences for the whole month of November.

The Catholic News Agency said a decree was signed by Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, Major Penitentiary of the Apostolic Penitentiary, stating that indulgences can be acquired for the whole month of November.

Indulgences are merits received through certain pious acts which can help revoke temporal punishment caused by sin for those who have passed away.

The new provisions were made following requests by bishops for the extension of plenary indulgence given the importance of the commemoration of the feasts of All Saints’ Day on November 1, and All Souls’ Day on November 2, the cardinal said. He added that live streamed masses are beneficial for individuals who cannot attend physically.

The Archdiocese of Manila said the plenary indulgences have been extended throughout November “to avoid large gatherings in public places that may expose the faithful to the risk of COVID-19. The indulgences can thus be obtained on any day in November. Those who cannot leave the house, including the elderly, the sick, the children, and others for various reasons, may receive indulgences by reciting prayers for the deceased in front of an image of Jesus or the Virgin Mary.”

“One also must fulfill certain conditions such as having a spirit detached from sin, going to confession, receiving the Eucharist, praying for the Pope’s intentions, and being united spiritually with all the faithful,” the Manila archdiocese said.

Roman Catholics may obtain plenary indulgences for the souls of the departed in November. The faithful may receive full indulgence each day from November 1 to November 8 when they visit a cemetery to pray for the departed and fulfill other conditions. They may also receive an indulgence when they go to a church or an oratory to pray for the faithful departed on November 2.