'Global responsibility': Christians mark another pandemic Easter as pope pleads for equity in vaccine rollout Susan Miller, USA TODAY Replay Video Christian faithful across the globe on Sunday sat scattered in pews, muffled hymns muted behind masks. Many stuck to homes out of caution or restrictions, streaming holy services online. And the pope preached his message indoors, away from a barren St. Peter's Square. Pandemic protocol was again the unwanted guest at the Easter table, but this year there was a lining of hope: COVID-19 vaccinations. A soccer team in Lyon, France, turned its stadium into a mass vaccination site for the holiday weekend. More than 9,000 people were expected to receive their shots as France struggles with a surge of infections. Some French churches held midnight Easter services just before dawn Sunday instead of on Saturday night because of a nationwide 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew.