Physical Interactions during Holy Mass Restricted in Sierra Leone’s Capital Freetown as Thousands Infected by Mpox

Freetown, 27 May, 2025 / 8:53 PM

Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles of Sierra Leone’s Catholic Archdiocese of Freetown has issued new directives to guide public worship in his Metropolitan See following a rapid increase in Mpox cases in the West African nation.

Sierra Leone recorded its first Mpox case on January 10. Since then, the country has seen a significant surge in confirmed cases, with more than 200 new cases reported in April, indicating heightened transmission. Contagion of the viral illness previously known as monkeypox has been growing steadily. The country was reportedly averaging around 100 new infections per day.

According to the latest government data, the number of cases of Mpox registered in Sierra Leone since the outbreak on January 10 is 3,011. Additionally, 14 people have succumbed to the virus.

In a Sunday, May 25 statement that was shared with ACI Africa, Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles noted that Sierra Leone’s Western Area, which falls under his Metropolitan See had recorded the highest number of new Mpox cases.

“As a local Church, we need to do everything possible to protect ourselves from the disease and also contain its spread by carefully observing the guidelines announced by health authorities,” the Catholic Church leader said.

Archbishop Tamba has issued new directives that all pastoral units in the Archdiocese of Freetown need to immediately implement to prevent further spread of Mpox in the region. Most of the directives limit physical interactions during public liturgical celebrations, including Holy Mass.

He has recommended that during Holy Mass, the sign of peace be done by “putting your right hand on your chest and making a gentle bow, or by waving your right hand or both hands to your fellow worshippers.” 

The Sierra Leonean Catholic Archbishop has urged the Clergy, women and men Religious, and the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) to administer it in the hand and not on the tongue while the “Concelebrants shall receive Holy Communion by intinction.”

He also advised that the faithful adhere to observing cleanliness by providing clean water, soap, and sanitizer at all entrances of the worship places, offices, Catholic schools, vocational institutes, religious houses, and Priests’ Rectories for the purpose of washing hands and sanitizing before entering.

The Local Ordinary of Freetown advised the people of God to avoid overcrowded places of worship and meetings. He expressed hope for better days, adding that he counts on people’s full “cooperation in this important matter.”

“I assure you of my prayers for God's blessing and protection, especially from Mpox,” Archbishop Tamba said.