By the Rescriptum of 18 March 2020, the Holy Father, given the particular healthcare condition linked to the spread of the COVID-19 virus, has ordered the suspension until 3 April 2020 of all court activities in progress at the judicial offices of the Vatican City State, as well as the related forfeiture and limitation periods.

This provision, already adopted in Italy, does not apply to investigation and more general activities prior to trial, nor to those proceedings that need to be dealt with for reasons of urgency.