“Our world is already faced with epochal challenges. Now it is oppressed by a pandemic that is severely testing our whole human family.”
VATICAN CITY – His voice echoing through the nearly empty St. Peter’s Basilica, a somber Pope Francis celebrated one of the strangest Easter celebrations in Vatican history Sunday amid Italy’s national lockdown for theFrancis cast a solitary figure as he addressed the outbreak that has so far claimed more than 110,000 lives worldwide, nearly 20,000 of them in Italy, which surrounds Vatican City.people have died in the United States.
Both President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence planned to attend Easter services remotely. Trump said he'd be watching an online service led by Pastor Robert Jeffress of the 4,000-member First Baptist Church in Dallas and a Fox News contributor. Francis mentioned those directly impacted by the spread of the virus, including medical personnel, the sick, the dead, and family members mourning their losses. It was a far cry from Easter Sunday a year ago, when an estimated 75,000 people packed St. Peter's Square as Francis urged those in zones of conflict to lay down their arms.
Outside the basilica in St. Peter’s Square, security staff that would normally be assuring the safe movement of the faithful into the square for Mass were instead turning them away.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
As Christians Mark Easter in Isolation, Pope Francis Proclaims ‘Contagion of Hope’Under restrictions imposed in response to the coronavirus pandemic, millions marked Easter Sunday at home, unable to receive Communion but in many cases watching their priests or ministers on TV or over the internet.
Read more »
Kanye West Will Miss Easter Sunday with Joel OsteenKanye West will miss Sunday service with Joel Osteen because of social distancing concerns.
Read more »
Severe weather outbreak forecasted through Monday with potential for strong tornadoes on Easter Sunday
Read more »
How to watch Easter Sunday services onlineWith many churches offering virtual services during the coronavirus pandemic, Christians can celebrate Easter with congregations they may not normally celebrate with.
Read more »
How are Donald Trump and Mike Pence observing Easter Sunday amid coronavirus pandemic?In a White House press briefing Friday, Trump said he would be watching Pastor Robert Jeffress' services on a laptop.
Read more »