“It will be possible to restore the usual form of exchanging the sign of peace,” the Italian Bishops’ Conference (CEI) said in a letter to bishops.

The letter, publicised by public broadcaster RAI and other Italian media today, was originally posted on CEI’s website on Friday.

The “sign of peace” comes after the Lord’s prayer and before the sacrament of the Holy Communion as a way for the faithful to express to each other their common faith.

At the height of the pandemic, the gesture was abolished – while last year, the CEI said it could resume but only through a look in the eyes or a bow of the head.

In its latest advice to bishops, the CEI called for continued precautions, such as inviting the faithful to sanitise their hands upon entering a church.

Italy is one of the worst-hit countries in terms of the coronavirus spread.

However, restrictions have been eased recently.

Face masks have not been compulsory on public transport since Oct 1.