Pandemic, religion, and vaccination resistance: a multidimensional analysis of religious communities in Italy

Background

The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the intricate relationship between vaccine hesitancy among religious communities and public health efforts, particularly in Italy. Religious groups such as Orthodox Christians, Protestants, Muslims, and Catholics exhibited varying degrees of resistance to vaccination, shaped by theological interpretations, historical mistrust of institutions, and disruptions to communal practices. This study explores these dynamics through legal, sociological, and anthropological lenses to understand the implications for public health and governance during health crises.

Purpose

The primary aim of this research is to analyze how religious beliefs and practices influenced vaccine hesitancy during the pandemic and to assess the broader impact on public health outcomes. It also seeks to identify strategies for mitigating conflicts between religious freedoms and public health imperatives in future crises.

Methods

This study employed qualitative methods, including case studies of religious communities in Italy. The data were extrapolated from semi-structured interviews with religious representatives of the main faiths present in Italy, in particular official and conservative Catholicism, the Orthodox Patriarchate of Western Europe, belonging to the Patriarchate of Constantinople, the Patriarchate of Moscow, Protestants (Methodist), and the Muslim community, through the following questions:

• •
  How was the Covid-19 pandemic received by your religious denomination? What explanation was given?
• •
  Were there any divisions within the believing community regarding the reasons attributed to the origin of the pandemic?
• •
  How was the vaccine received? Were there divisions, hostility, or resistance?
• •
  How can faith in God and scientific research be reconciled?
• •
  If there were disagreements, what was the underlying reason for opposition to vaccination?
• •
  What was done to address this division?

The responses were reviewed to remove any references to individuals or places that could allow identification. Observational data were collected on vaccination campaigns and grassroots initiatives aimed at increasing vaccine uptake within hesitant communities. Analytical methods included thematic coding of interview transcripts and comparative analysis across religious traditions.

Findings

Vaccine hesitancy among religious communities had significant repercussions for public health in Italy. Orthodox groups opposing mRNA vaccines on theological grounds contributed to localized outbreaks, while marginalized Muslim communities exhibited low vaccination rates due to systemic inequities in healthcare access. Protestant denominations generally supported vaccination but faced internal divisions influenced by conspiracy theories. Catholic responses were polarized between progressive factions endorsing vaccination as an act of love and traditionalist groups rejecting mandates as secular overreach. Interfaith initiatives successfully increased vaccine uptake by aligning public health messaging with religious values, demonstrating the importance of collaborative approaches.

Conclusions

Vaccine hesitancy among religious communities underscores the need for nuanced engagement between public health authorities and faith groups. Future strategies should prioritize inclusive policymaking that respects religious autonomy while addressing theological concerns about biotechnological interventions. Religious institutions must develop doctrinal resources to reconcile faith with scientific advancements, while states must balance individual freedoms with collective welfare during health emergencies. The findings highlight the importance of fostering mutual understanding and shared responsibility to build resilience against emerging health threats in pluralistic societies.