Since World War II, it is the first time that the Catholic Church has not celebrated Easter due to the ongoing battle against the coronavirus pandemic. With this, Pope Francis believed that the crisis should serve as a moment of unity, solidarity, and hope.

The once celebratory occasion had become somber, as the Pope prayed alone in an empty St. Petersburg Square. A place which was once filled with tourists, and devout Catholics, had been now blanketed by an eerie silence and emptiness. During a Livestream of his “Urbi et Orbi” on Sunday, The Pope began by saying: “For many, this is an Easter of solitude lived amid the sorrow and hardship that the pandemic is causing, from physical suffering to economic difficulties.” He continued to pray for those who have been directly affected by the pandemic, especially for those who have lost their loved ones. He also prayed that God would open his doors for the departed and grant comfort for those who were suffering.

He also addressed current issues brought by the crisis and shared how the pandemic had hindered people from feeling “human closeness.” The current situation has also stopped people from receiving important Catholic sacraments, such as the Eucharist and Reconciliation.

However, the Pope reminded Catholics all over the globe, that they are not alone. “United in our prayer, we are convinced that he has laid his hand upon us, firmly reassuring us: Do not be afraid, ‘I have risen, and I am with you still!” the Pope said.

He also went on to share how the pandemic had drastically changed people’s lives, reminding that for those who were staying at home, it should serve as a time to reflect, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The Pope added that the crisis should be a time for people to worry about job security, and uncertainty, as well as the other impending consequences of the crisis.

Most importantly, the Pope reminded everyone that “This is not a time for indifference.” He explained that “because the whole world is suffering” and that people “need to be united in facing the pandemic.”

The head of the Catholic Church, was also unafraid to go political, as he asked countries to implement more lax international sanctions. The Pope explained that sanctions have made it difficult for countries to provide enough support for their citizens. Moreover, he also called out that leaders should unload some of the debts for poor nations, to balance out the sheets.

Moreover, the Pope also went on to show his support for the European Union and reminded that each state should consider themselves as family. Finally, the Pope shared that in times of crisis, there should be no room for self-centeredness, as everyone had been affected by the pandemic.

During his speech, the Pope also mentioned those countries who have been massively affected by the virus, including Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon, Turkey, Venezuela, Mozambique, Libya, Greece, Israel, Palestinians, Ukraine, and African countries and asked people to pray for them.

Just last month, President Donald Trump congratulated Pope Francis for the 7th anniversary of his Papal election, citing close ties between the country and the Catholic Church since 1984.