Conversations in multiple languages hum in the background as the stoic crowd stands united in a shared moment of history, grappling not only with the loss of a deeply cherished spiritual leader, but also with the gravity of witnessing a moment that will echo through time.

True to his wishes for simplicity, Pope Francis will be buried in the Basilica of St Mary Major – a quieter, more humble resting place than some of his predecessors chose.

As the Vatican mourns, Catholics like Correia Kenig are hopeful that it’s not the end, but an exciting new beginning for the church.

“The faith is reborn… believers are coming back to the church, new believers, I hope this new pope will make the faith stronger so those far away from the church can return.”

While a new pope is expected to be elected by mid-May, the focus for now remains on remembering a leader who touched lives across continents with a message of mercy, dignity, and hope.