Pope To Celebrate Holy Week Without Public Present: How To Watch

Pope Francis is set to celebrate Holy Week in Vatican City without the usual participation of the public as the new coronavirus outbreak continues to halt gatherings of any sort throughout the world.

The pope will celebrate the Holy Week events at the altar of the Chair of St. Peter, within St. Peter's Basilica.

The Vatican announced the news Friday and explained that the changes in procedure are due to the "extraordinary situation" caused by the spread of the new coronavirus. While the announcement made clear that the public will not be present during Holy Week activities, it is still expected that a few clergy will be present to assist with the ceremonies.

Confirmation of Pope Francis' official schedule for Holy Week, April 5-11, comes just two days after the Vatican published a set of guidelines instructing priests on how to conduct ceremonies without the public in attendence.

Here is Pope Francis' official schedule for the Vatican's digital celebration of Holy Week:

• Palm Sunday Mass, April 5
• Mass of the Lord's Supper, April 9
• Celebration of the Passion of the Lord on Good Friday, April 10
• Traditional Via Crucis, April 10
• Easter Vigil Mass, April 11
• Easter Sunday Mass, April 12

Pope Francis will conclude Easter Sunday Mass with the "Urbi et Orbi" message and blessing, which is a blessing given "to the city and to the world."

The above celebrations will be broadcasted live on the Vatican Media YouTube channel.