On Holy Thursday, April 9,2020, Pope Francis praised all the good and selfless priests worldwide. This year, as much of the world was in lockdown to prevent against further spreading of coronavirus, claiming thousands and thousands of deaths worldwide, and already more than 18,000 in Italy itself, the Pope's schedule changed. He did not do the traditional Chrism Mass in the morning, nor not make his annual outing for the Washing of the Feet. Pope Francis instead celebrated in a nearly empty St. Peter's Basilica the Mass in Coena Domini without that rite. During his homily, he spoke about priests and praised the countless who are selfless, even to the point of giving their lives. The Holy Father lamented the more than 60 priests have died in Italy from COVID19. "Have courage," the Pope encouraged priests, as the Lord is always with them. Francis praised those who travel to far off lands, even often giving their lives, and sometimes, to hardly ever be remembered by name.