SAN FRANCISCO – A California priest has died from COVID-19 after a coronavirus outbreak occurred at his Catholic church, multiple news outlets are reporting.
According to the Los Angeles Times and the Sacramento Bee, Sts. Peter and Paul Church in San Francisco announced on its website that the Rev. Bob Stein died early Tuesday, just days after officials said Stein, two other priests and three caregivers had contracted the virus.
“We are deeply touched and grateful for the prayers and support so many of you have sent for those of us (clergy and staff) who tested positive for COVID,” the church, which is temporarily closed for in-person worship, said on its homepage. “We are sorry to say that Fr. Bob Stein passed away early on the morning of Feb. 16. Please pray for the repose of his soul. We certainly will not be able to open the church before Feb. 23 at the earliest.”
The announcement said the church will continue to stream Masses online.
Last summer, city officials accused the church of trying to host a wedding ceremony indoors and violating health guidelines by hold Mass inside, the newspapers reported.
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