Political News

Obama wishes the nation a 'blessed and joyful Easter' amid coronavirus pandemic

Former President Barack Obama wished the nation a "joyful" Easter Sunday, while remarking on the dramatic differences in celebrating this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Posted Updated

By
Veronica Stracqualursi
, CNN
CNN — Former President Barack Obama wished the nation a "joyful" Easter Sunday, while remarking on the dramatic differences in celebrating this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"Although our celebrations may look different this year, our unwavering faith remains the same. For me, Easter is a time of hope -- a reminder of rebirth and renewal -- and a belief in a better day to come. From my family to yours, we wish you all a blessed and joyful Easter," the former president wrote on Twitter.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, US officials have recommended social distancing and urged Americans not to attend services larger than 10 people — leaving churches empty and congregations to celebrate online.

On Twitter, President Donald Trump also wished Americans a Happy Easter, noting the social distancing guidelines his administration put in place to limit in-person gatherings to no more than 10 people.

"This Easter will be much different than others because in many cases we'll be separated physically only from our churches. We won't be there sitting next to each other, which we'd like to be and soon will be again," Trump said in a video message.

"But we're winning the battle. We're winning the war," the President said. "We'll be back together in churches right next to each other."

Some states have exempted religious services as an essential activity, allowing for in-person church services to continue so long as they practice social distancing.

Trump, who is in Washington, DC, is remotely watching Easter service from a megachurch in Dallas.

"Celebrate, bring the family together like no other. We have a lot to be thankful for," Trump added.

Copyright 2024 by Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.