Pope Francis Delivers Easter Mass to Empty Basilica as U.S. Churches Defy Stay at Home Orders

Pope Francis delivered his Easter address from the empty St. Peters Basilica Sunday as Italy and much of the world continued to live under stay at home orders in efforts to contain the coronavirus outbreak.

Church services in Emmett, Idaho ignored government stay at home orders. (Reuters)

The service mirrored Easter ceremonies throughout the world with millions watching via the internet from their homes. Notably, some churches in the U.S. drew criticism for ignoring stay at home orders, holding packed services citing religious freedom despite pleas from officials about the potential dangers of social gatherings during the coronavirus crisis. 

In his sermon, the pope directly addressed the pandemic calling for solitary and prayer saying, "Let us not lose the opportunity to give further proof of solidarity, also by turning to innovative solutions. The only alternative is the selfishness of particular interests and the temptation of a return to the past, at the risk of severely damaging the peaceful coexistence and development of future generations."

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