Keeping the faith: Thousands pray in Portugal's main Catholic site for end to pandemic

Pilgrims take part in a candlelight vigil during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, at the Catholic shrine of Fatima, Portugal October 12, 2020. REUTERS/Catarina Demony

FATIMA, Portugal (Reuters) - Standing in circles marked to keep social distance, thousands of faithful gathered and held candles at one of Catholicism's most famous sanctuaries in Portugal on Monday evening, with many praying for the end of the coronavirus pandemic.

Every October, around 100,000 people head to the Fatima Sanctuary - many of them by foot - to mark the third and last reported vision of the Virgin Mary more than 100 years ago. But, this year, only 6,000 people were allowed in the massive outdoor venue because of coronavirus restrictions.