Vatican City, Mar 22, 2021 / 05:30 am (CNA).- The restriction of private Masses in the upper side chapels of St. Peter’s Basilica went into force Monday.

The basilica was quiet on March 22 without the usual murmur of prayers in many languages being offered to God in the sacrifice of the Mass at the tombs of saints.

A person entering the basilica at 8:30 a.m. would not have seen any Masses taking place in the empty side chapels.