Pope Francis gave the traditional Easter Sunday Urbi et Orbi blessing from inside the basilica following Easter Sunday Mass, CNA reports.

“Urbi et Orbi” means “To the City (of Rome) and to the World” and is a special apostolic blessing given by the pope every year on Easter Sunday, Christmas, and other special occasions.

Pope Francis acknowledged that many Catholics are left without the consolation of the sacraments this year. He said it is important to remember that Christ has not left us alone, but reassures us, saying: “I have risen and I am with you still.”

Before the blessing, Pope Francis offered the Solemn Mass of Easter at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica without the presence of the public due to the coronavirus. He did not give a homily this year. Instead, he paused for a moment of silent reflection following the Gospel, which was proclaimed in Greek.

“May this be a time for finally ending the long war that has caused such great bloodshed in Syria, the conflict in Yemen and the hostilities in Iraq and in Lebanon,” the pope said.

“As this is not a time for continuing to manufacture and deal in arms, spending vast amounts of money that ought to be used to care for others and save lives.

The pope prayed that this Easter season would be a time of dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. He asked the Lord to end the sufferings of those who live in eastern Ukraine and the suffering of people facing a humanitarian crisis in Africa and Asia.

Pope Francis called on political leaders to work for the common good and to provide the means for everyone to lead a dignified life.

He appealed to countries engaged in conflicts to support the call for a global ceasefire and to relax international sanctions.