Pope Francis recalled the Lunar New Year and wished peace and the end of the pandemic, TASS reported.

The pontiff said this in his traditional Sunday sermon before the faithful in St. Peter's Square.

"The day after tomorrow, February 1, East Asia, as well as some other parts of the world, will celebrate the New Year according to the Lunar Calendar. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and wish everyone to live in peace, health and happiness in the New Year. It is wonderful to come together but many families will not be able to come together this year because of the pandemic. I hope that this challenge we will overcome as well," Francis said.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church stressed the need for reconciliation, both in personal relationships and between nations.