Christians around the world celebrated an Easter Sunday upended by the coronavirus without the usual crowded church Masses and large family gatherings. Instead, they turned to the internet, television and radio from home to follow services that noted the grave impact of the pandemic.

Some found novel ways to mark the holy day. Others still assembled in groups, but took precautions to try to avoid infection. The virus forced a change in Easter traditions that had even endured wars.

But no matter how divergent the celebrations, the message from church leaders around the world remained consistent: prayers for the sick and dead and reassurances of God's presence.

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Header image: Pope Francis reads his "Urbi et Orbi" ("To the City and the World") message in St. Peter's Basilica on Easter Sunday at the Vatican, April 12. — Reuters