Pilgrims, tourists in St. Peter's Square for Easter express shock over Pope's death

Apr 22, 2025 - 16:00
Pilgrims, tourists in St. Peter's Square for Easter express shock over Pope's death
A huge crowd is gathered in a square in front of a large white building with a big dome on the top. In the foreground, we see the backs of a crowd led by a woman holding a large cross up.

Thousands of tourists and pilgrims who flocked to Rome for Holy Week were dazed with shock at news of the death of Pope Francis. The Vatican made the announcement on Monday morning, a day after his open-topped popemobile was driven through crowds cheering "viva il papa!" on Christianity's holiest day.