In a move that some have called unprecedented for modern times, the Vatican has announced the Pope will celebrate Easter this year without public participation.

The announcement was made on Sunday by the Prefecture of the Papal Household, which is responsible for organizing all events involving the Pope.

The Vatican says that "because of the current global public health emergency, all the Liturgical Celebrations of Holy Week will take place without the physical presence of the faithful."

The Prefecture also says that until at least April 12 that all General Audiences and services presided over by the Pope will only be available via live streaming.

Last week the Pope had warned against what he called "drastic measures" as officials moved to close Rome's churches in the midst of Italy's COVID-19 outbreak.

Cardinal Angelo De Donatis had issued a decree to close Rome's churches for the duration of Italy's quarantine. However, many of the faithful pushed back at what they dubbed "Christ in quarantine." The cardinal modified the decree the next day allowing many churches to remain open.