COVID-19: Pope Francis marks Holy Week alone with closed-door mass — see pictures

Pope Francis, who himself has been tested twice for the new coronavirus, delivered Palm Sunday mass by livestream with Saint Peter's Square empty of the usual huge crowds.

The Pope said during his homily: "The tragedy we are experiencing summons us to take seriously the things that are serious, and not to be caught up in those that matter less; to rediscover that life is of no use if not used to serve others. For life is measured by love."

The Pope told people feeling lonely to cling to their faith in these difficult times. "When we have our back to the wall, when we find ourselves at a dead end, with no light and no way of escape, when it seems that God himself is not responding, we should remember that we are not alone," the Pope said in his prayer.

"Today, in the tragedy of a pandemic, in the face of the many false securities that have now crumbled, in the face of so many hopes betrayed, in the sense of abandonment that weighs upon our hearts, Jesus says to each one of us: 'Courage, open your heart to my love'," Pope said.

"When we have our back to the wall, when we find ourselves at a dead end, with no light and no way of escape, when it seems that God himself is not responding, we should remember that we are not alone," the pope said in his prayer.

Pope Francis holds a palm branch as he leads Palm Sunday mass in St. Peter's Basilica without public participation in Vatican

A general view of St. Peter's Basilica where Pope Francis leads the Palm Sunday mass without public participation in Vatican

Priest Guido Marini puts the Mitre on Pope Francis' head during Palm Sunday Mass behind closed doors in St. Peter's Basilica

A general view shows Pope Francis and attendees Pope Francis during the Palm Sunday mass in St. Peter's Basilica, in Vatican

Pope Francis blesses attendees as he celebrates Palm Sunday behind closed doors in St. Peter's Basilica mass in Vatican

Pope Francis holds a palm branch as he celebrates Palm Sunday Mass behind closed doors in St. Peter's Basilica, in Vatican

Pope Francis holds a palm branch as he leads Palm Sunday mass in St. Peter's Basilica without public participation in Vatican

Pope Francis celebrates Palm Sunday Mass behind closed doors in St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican,

Pope Francis gathers his thoughts while holding a palm branch as he celebrates Palm Sunday mass behind closed doors at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican

Pope Francis leaves at the end of Palm Sunday mass behind closed doors at St. Peter's Basilica