At least 18 priests have died of coronavirus in Italy, where clergymen are exposing themselves to the illness by comforting sick patients. At least 10 priests have died of Covid-19 in the diocese of Bergamo near Milan, according to Catholic newspaper Avvenire. Like doctors, Italy's priests come into contact with the disease's most serious cases. Touched by the plight of the priests of Bergamo, Pope Francis placed a call on Wednesday to Beschi, the parish bishop. Pope Francis was 'very impressed by the suffering of the many dead,' Beschi said in a statement.

Source: Daily Mail March 20, 2020 13:59 UTC