Pope Francis Opens Holy Week amid Coronavirus Pandemic

From

6 April 2020 07:53 WIB

Pope Francis holds a palm branch as he leads Palm Sunday mass in St. Peter's Basilica without public participation due to the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), at the Vatican April 5, 2020. Pope Francis marked a surreal Palm Sunday in an empty St. Peter's Basilica, urging people living through the coronavirus pandemic not to be so concerned with what they lack but how they can ease the suffering of others. Alberto Pizzoli/Pool via REUTERS

6 April 2020 00:00 WIB

Pope Francis holds a palm branch as he leads Palm Sunday mass in St. Peter's Basilica without public participation due to the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), at the Vatican April 5, 2020. The service, kicking off Holy Week events leading to Easter, usually attracts tens of thousands of people to a St. Peter's Square bedecked with olive and palm trees. The service normally includes a long procession of cardinals, priests and faithful carrying palm fronds. Alberto Pizzoli/Pool via REUTERS

6 April 2020 00:00 WIB

Master of Pontifical Liturgical Ceremonies, Italian priest Guido Marini puts the mitre on Pope Francis' head during Palm Sunday mass in St. Peter's Basilica, without public participation due to the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), at the Vatican April 5, 2020. This time, it was held from a secondary altar behind the main one Francis normally uses and attended by only about two dozen people, including a few aides, nuns and a scaled-down choir, all practicing social distancing. Alberto Pizzoli/Pool via REUTERS

6 April 2020 00:00 WIB

Pope Francis blesses attendees as he leads Palm Sunday mass in St. Peter's Basilica without public participation due to the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), at the Vatican April 5, 2020. The symbolic procession was only several metres long and a few potted olive trees were brought in. The Mass was broadcast on television and over the internet to many millions. Churches in countries around the world were holding similar, virtual services this week because of restrictions on gatherings. Alberto Pizzoli/Pool via REUTERS

6 April 2020 00:00 WIB

Pope Francis holds a palm branch as he leads Palm Sunday mass in St. Peter's Basilica without public participation due to the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), at the Vatican April 5, 2020. Cutting a solitary figure, Francis listened as three priests read the gospel account of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and being hailed as the messiah. Alberto Pizzoli/Pool via REUTERS

6 April 2020 00:00 WIB

Pope Francis prays as he leads Palm Sunday mass in St. Peter's Basilica without public participation due to the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), at the Vatican April 5, 2020. Holy Week marks the period when Christians commemorate events surrounding the key tenets of their faith - that Jesus was betrayed, crucified and rose from the dead. Alberto Pizzoli/Pool via REUTERS

6 April 2020 00:00 WIB