Faithful and well-wishers come together to celebrate Pope

Newspaper stalls and souvenir stands lie bare along the Via della Conciliazione.

For days, pilgrims and tourists have grabbed whatever souvenirs they can to commemorate the moment.

Propelled by a nervous energy that, in contrast to the empty stalls, fills St Peter’s Square as the Catholic Church begins turning a significant page in its history.

“Unbelievable. I’m a history teacher myself, it’s very rare that you get to be a part of an event that I’ll be teaching in a couple of years or so,” said Jyssica Sherwood, who learnt of the Pope’s death on holiday when the bells of St Peter’s Basilica rang out.

She, like thousands of tourists here, is awed by the occasion rather than being gripped by sadness.

“This is my third time here in Rome and I’ve never seen it as I’m seeing it today. It’s quite amazing. Despite the circumstances it’s good to see good things coming out of it,” she said.

Even clergy are viewing his passing through a prism of optimism.

“We are also rejoicing in the fact that the passing of Pope Francis has been so gracious, so beautiful, so blessed,” said Father Joao Vila-Cha.

The Portuguese Jesuit feels a “deep profound gratitude” to Francis.

The first of his order to become Pontiff, Francis worked right up until his death, delivering the Easter Sunday mass hours before he suffered a stroke and heart failure.