Pope Francis celebrated Mass on Easter Sunday morning at the Vatican Basilica with a small number of the faithful present, Vatican News reported.
Although the number of people physically present was small, many others joined via digital media across various social media platforms.
At one point, nearly 9,000 were simultaneously celebrating Jesus’ Resurrection with the Pope on Vatican News’ English-language Facebook page alone.
Over 170 broadcast networks and media outlets picked up the Easter broadcasts, which has seen much wider coverage in recent years due to live-streaming, according to Vatican News.
The Vatican this year also added service in sign language, thanks to the “No One Left Out” project launched by the Dicastery for Communication.
Rather than presenting a homily, the Holy Father led the faithful in silent prayer following the proclamation of the Gospel of John (20:1-9), which was chanted in both Latin and Greek.
Holy Father’s Full Homily at Easter Vigil
During the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the Pope recited the First Eucharistic Prayer, known as the Roman Canon.
The Easter floral arrangements which adorned St. Peter’s Basilica for the Easter Mass were donated by florists from Holland.
This marks the 35th year in which they have done so, though the tradition paused last year due to the pandemic.
The Dutch florists’ compositions featured Avalanche roses for the Altar of the Chair in the Basilica.
The florists also expressed their closeness with those suffering from the pandemic by donating some of these roses to residences for the elderly in Rome.
At the end of Mass, Pope Francis welcomed Cardinal Mauro Gambetti as the new Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of St. Peter.
“I wish you the best in your service at this church which is so important for all Christians,” he said.
Pope Francis also thanked Cardinal Angelo Comastri for his dedication and 16 years of service in that role. “Thank you, Cardinal Comastri,” he said. “Thank you for your pastoral care, your spirituality, your preaching, and your mercy.”
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