LEADERS of the Catholic Church have met with Taoiseach Micheál Martin to discuss the impact of Covid-19 restrictions and the "great desire to return to worship as soon as possible".
Archbishops Eamon Martin, Diarmuid Martin, Michael Neary and Kieran O'Reilly and Bishop Dermot Farrell met with the taoiseach on Wednesday evening.
The Republic is operating under Level 5 coronavirus restrictions, in which religious services must be held online and funerals can have up to 25 mourners in attendance.
The Catholic Church said the archbishops emphasised they are "fully supportive" of the public health messages but stressed the importance for religious communities of gathering for prayer and worship.
In a statement after the meeting it said: "Discussion focused mainly on the effect which the current Covid-19 restrictions are having on the health and well-being of the faith community and the great desire to return to worship as soon as possible."
"The archbishops emphasised that they are fully supportive of the public health messages but highlighted that the coming together in prayer and worship, especially for Mass and the sacraments, is fundamental to Christian tradition and a source of nourishment for the life and well-being of whole communities.
"The importance of gathering for worship as a source of consolation and hope at Christmas time was stressed."
They emphasised the "mammoth effort" of priests and volunteers to ensure church gatherings are "as safe as possible".
The church leaders also stressed the "need to protect the most vulnerable in society at this time" and "all agreed the importance of ongoing constructive engagement".
