Pope Francis urges hope amid ‘darkness’ of coronavirus pandemic in Easter vigil

Pope Francis has urged people to maintain hope even through the “dark months” of the coronavirus pandemic while celebrating a scaled-back Easter vigil service in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Only about 200 masked people were allowed to attend Saturday’s service, which marks the period between Christ’s crucifixion and his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

For the second year in a row, the Vatican cut out the traditional sacrament of baptism for a handful of adults.

This year’s vigil service also…