Pope Francis led Palm Sunday services in an almost empty St. Peter’s Basilica because of coronavirus restrictions for the second consecutive year and said the devil is taking advantage of the pandemic, Reuters reports.
“The Devil is taking advantage of the crisis to sow distrust, desperation and discord,” he said.
He added that the pandemic has brought physical, psychological and spiritual suffering.
Nearly everyone who took part in the Mass, except the pope and the choir, wore masks, Reuters reports. Italy is in the midst of another national lockdown, which is due to end after Easter.