Tuesday 22 / October / 2024
Pope Francis broke with centuries of tradition to livestream hus Easter Sunday Mass to allow the world's 1.3 billion Catholics to celebrate their holiest holiday under the coronavirus lockdown.
In an empty St Peter's Basilica, Francis gave the "Urbi et Orbi" (To the city and to the world) message and blessing, urging European "solidarity" in the face of the pandemic.
"Today my thoughts turn in the first place to the many who have been directly affected by the coronavirus: the sick, those who have died and family members who mourn the loss of their loved ones, to whom, in some cases, they were unable even to bid a final farewell," he said.
The pope also called for "immediate" ceasefires in global conflicts and appealed for the forgiveness of debt to developing nations.
Normally St Peter's Square would be packed with worshippers on Easter Sunday, but the crowds and lavish flower arrangements are missing. Instead, the Vatican, which has been closed to the public for more than a month, is now sealed off by armed police wearing facemasks and rubber gloves.
