Pope Francis delivered a behind-closed-doors Easter Sunday mass from an almost empty St Peter’s Basilica.

Live-streamed to an anticipated 1.3bn Catholics worldwide, he urged Europeans to draw on the 'concrete spirit of solidarity' that they demonstrated during World War II.

“This is not a time for indifference,” he said, “because the whole world is suffering and needs to be united in facing the pandemic.”

He also called on political leaders 'to work actively for the common good, to provide the means and resources needed to enable everyone to lead a dignified life and, when circumstances allow, to assist them in resuming their normal daily activities'.

In 2019, an estimated 70,000 descended on St Peter’s Square on Easter morning, but worshippers were prohibited due to the coronavirus lockdown.

During the service, the Pope offered his thoughts and prayers to all those who have been affected by the deadly virus, which has claimed more than 100,000 lives worldwide.

"Today my thoughts turn in the first place to the many who have been directly affected by the coronavirus," he said.

"The sick, those who have died and family members who mourn the loss of their loved ones, to whom, in some cases, they were unable even to bid a final farewell."