St. Peter’s Square filled from people on Monday, after the announcement of Pope Francis’ death at the age of 88.
For Alessia Saltini, an Italian tourist, Francis’ death “impacted in every way.”
“What happened this morning left us a little sad because we knew the Pope’s health conditions, but we were practically on the right track and we knew the news that he would die,” she said.
Many tourists were still in Rome after Easter weekend when 1.3 billion Catholics from the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“I am here for Easter and I find it very significant that the Pope died during Easter, or on Easter weekend,” said Becca Tusa, an Argentine tourist.
“I’m from Argentina, the Pope was Argentine, so it has great meaning for us. It is a moment of sadness and, at the same time, of gratitude and celebration of life.”
