The whole world is gripped in sorrow at the passing of Pope Francis, who died this morning at the age of 88 at Casa Santa Marta. The news, announced by Cardinal Farrell at 7:35 a.m., has shaken faithful and nonbelievers from every corner of the planet. As the Vatican prepares to organize the Argentine pontiff’s funeral, St. Peter’s Square is quickly filling with people from all over, united in their desire to pay tribute to the “Pope of the Poor.”
Tears, prayers and memories mingle among the crowd as they await official details about the funeral. You can follow along as we take you live to the heart of Christendom to share these historic moments and gather the testimonies of those who wished to be present for the final farewell to Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the Pope who changed the face of the Church with his “revolution of tenderness.”