Pope Francis Daily

Cardinal Vincent Nichols said Catholic churches were “adjusting” to minimise the spread of infection.

He said: “We are preparing for a time when the churches should not be used to gather big numbers of people together, so we might come to an end of the celebration of Mass or other services.”

Many churches have already brought in measures to avoid exposing congregations to the virus.

In some churches, holy water has been removed from the entrances, the sign of peace – normally a handshake – has been replaced by bowing and churchgoers can no longer drink wine from shared chalices.

Church ministers are also washing their hands before distributing communion.

Speaking to BBC’s Radio 4’s Today programme, Cardinal Vincent Nichols said: “These are not the essential parts of mass,” adding that he hoped everyone will be “cooperative and calm”.