(CNN) -
Pope Francis condemned the "scandalous" armed conflicts around the world, naming Myanmar and Tigray, among other areas, during his Easter Sunday mass.
Francisco led the service in St. Peter's Basilica, in a reduced event due to covid-19 precautions.
He also called for coronavirus vaccines to be shared with the world's poorest countries.
“The pandemic continues to spread, while the social and economic crisis continues to be severe, especially for the poor.
However, and this is scandalous, the armed conflicts have not ended and the military arsenals are being strengthened, ”the pope said.
"That efforts continue to peacefully resolve conflicts, respecting human rights and the sanctity of life, through fraternal and constructive dialogue in a spirit of reconciliation and true solidarity," he added.
advertising
LOOK: Pope Francis prostrates himself for the Passion of Christ on the second Good Friday of the pandemic
"May the power of the risen Lord sustain the peoples of Africa who see their future compromised by internal violence and international terrorism, especially in the Sahel and Nigeria, as well as in Tigray and the Cabo Delgado region."
He also addressed younger supporters, "especially young people in Myanmar who are committed to supporting democracy and making their voices heard peacefully, knowing that hatred can only be dispelled by love."
The spiritual leader of the world's 1.3 billion Roman Catholics made multiple references to the pandemic as he spoke, but ultimately focused on a message of hope.
"The risen Christ is hope for all those who continue to suffer from the pandemic, both the sick and those who have lost a loved one," he said.
Francisco also called vaccines an "essential tool" in the fight against COVID-19.
And he's concerned about the vaccine nationalism that has increased in recent weeks.
MORE: At Easter, Pope Francis limits his activities due to covid-19
"I urge the entire international community, in a spirit of global responsibility, to commit to overcome the delays in the distribution of vaccines and facilitate their distribution, especially in the poorest countries," the pontiff said on Sunday.
Restrictions in the Vatican
This is the second year in a row that Easter crowds have been prevented from gathering at the Vatican due to the pandemic.
About 200 people attended all papal services this year at the secondary altar of St. Peter's Basilica.
Easter Sunday is the most important day in the Christian liturgical calendar and marks the day Christians believe that Jesus rose from the dead after being crucified on Good Friday.
Usually up to 10,000 worshipers fill St. Peter's Square.
This year, Francis delivered the blessing from the altar of the basilica to prevent the faithful from crowding the square.
At an Easter vigil on Saturday, the pope said he hoped the dark times of the pandemic would end and that people would be able to rediscover "the grace of everyday life."
And on Good Friday he embraced and greeted the children who attended a special ceremony of the Way of the Cross at the Vatican.
The pope's travels have been heavily restricted due to the pandemic, but he visited Iraq last month, in what was the first papal visit to the country.
Saturday's service began two hours earlier than usual so that participants could return home before the curfew in Rome that begins at 10 p.m.