• Pope Francis held Easter Sunday mass, a normally packed event, in a near-empty St. Peter Basilica due to coronavirus-related restrictions.
  • Francis said that now is a time for solidarity and urged viewers to pray for those who are alone or sick during the coronavirus pandemic.
  • The event was livestreamed for those who couldn’t attend due to mandated lockdowns throughout Italy.
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On Easter Sunday, Vatican City, Italy, is typically crowded with tens of thousands of people waiting to hear Pope Francis deliver mass.

But this year, Francis spoke to a near-empty congregation in St. Peter Basilica due to coronavirus-related restrictions that barred the public from attending the event.

In Italy, mandated lockdowns have prevented residents from leaving their homes for more than three weeks.

On Sunday, Francis spoke in front of the choir and a handful of church goers who sat one person per pew in order to practice social distancing, Associated Press reported. Outside, police barricades prevented residents from entering the basilica.

During mass, which was available on live stream for those who were unable to attend, Francis said that the coronavirus pandemic was an "epochal challenge." He also stressed the importance of solidarity.

"This is not a time for self-centeredness because the challenge we are facing is shared by all, without distinguishing between persons," Francis said, adding that people watching his mass should pray for the dead, sick, and elderly who are alone right now.

Around the world, other leaders are also changing Easter traditions to keep the public safe.

In the UK, Queen Elizabeth II said that Easter wasn't canceled, but recommended people stay home during their celebrations.

"This year, Easter will be different for many of us, but by keeping apart, we keep others safe," the Queen said.

In South Korea, masses were held online, and in New Zealand and Egypt written letters and prayers were disseminated online so people could hold Easter at their homes. A number of churches even offered drive-thru and drive-in services to keep parishioners apart. Meanwhile, some churches around the US still planned to open their doors for Easter Sunday services, defying orders against mass gatherings during the coronavirus outbreak.