Pope Francis dies: Scenes from inside the Vatican, Rome

Stoic nuns, curious tourists and tearful devotees are packing the Vatican in the wake of the death of Catholic leader Pope Francis. See the photos.

I was – stereotypically – eating a slice of pizza in Rome when I heard the news that Pope Francis had died.

But it wasn’t because there was any commotion. Rather, my partner told me when her friend messaged her with the news – broken by the BBC about half an hour earlier.

But within minutes the bells in the Piazza Del Popolo began ringing as the news spread, and Rome wrapped its head around the heartbreaking but not unexpected news.

Devotees gather at St. Peter's Square following the death of Pope Francis, in the Vatican. Picture: AFP

Nuns attend the Rosary for Pope Francis at the church of 'Nuestra Senora De Los Dolores' ,the church of the Argentinian in Rome. Picture: Getty Images

Like many here, I rushed straight to the Vatican. Standing in the heaving lines to enter, I saw many — including children — were in tears.

But mixed in with the faithful already mourning the person on Earth they believe was the closest to God were clearly excited tourists who had rushed to witness the moment.

Line-ups outside the Vatican. Picture: Paul Brescia

Huge crowds gather outside the Vatican. Picture: Paul Brescia

Mourners buy trinkets at the Vatican after the death of Pope Francis. Picture: Paul Brescia

Crowds swarmed to buy trinkets at the Vatican after the death of Pope Francis. Picture: Paul Brescia

Inside, that disconnect was worse. There were people posing by the fountains for a post on Instagram while others nearby were openly distraught. It left an odd taste in my mouth, even as a lapsed Catholic.

I had seen the Pope’s face moments before I heard the news – on a calendar in a tourist shop, and had smiled at the thought of how much he is revered in Italy, the beating heart of the Catholic Church.

People take pictures as faithful and pilgrims gather at St Peter's square following the death of Pope Francis in the Vatican. Picture: AFP

People attend a mass in Notre-Dame Cathedral, in Paris, to honour Pope Francis. Picture: AFP

Papa Francesco was a progressive voice who tried his best to unite people of all faiths. His final message, delivered on Easter Sunday, called for peace and an end to the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. (He spoke with priests inside Gaza every night since that conflict began.)

Rosaries for sale outside the Vatican. Picture: Paul Brescia

Mourners gather in Rome after the death of Pope Francis. Picture: Paul Brescia

As the hot sun beamed down on the mass of people around me, I couldn’t help but think if his message will live beyond his death, what will come next for the Catholic Church – and who will be selected to fill the shoes of a Pope who steered the church through some of its biggest scandals?

Faithful and pilgrims walk in Della Conciliazione street as they arrive to gather at St Peter's square following the death of Pope Francis in the Vatican. Picture: AFP

A giant screen announces a rosary prayer for the late Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. Picture: AP

Once I passed through the security checks and entered this city-state within Rome, there was a clear feeling this was a special moment few – if any of us – would ever witness again

I join others for midday mass inside St Peter’s Basilica, a place of awe-inspiring scale and grandeur – built with more marble then you would believe existed in the world. I see women with headscarves, nuns, bishops, families, and hear people speaking all the languages of the world.

Vatican volunteers are getting frustrated by the tourists walking in to take a photo only. One security guard says with a glare: “Mass only”.

When the priest gives mass in Italian, the Italian gentleman next to me closes his eyes and feels each bead of the rosary in his hands. When the organs of the church play and hundreds sing Hallelujah, it all feels real.

– Paul Brescia is editor of the Daily Mercury in Mackay.