An atmosphere of solemnity hung over St Peter's Square, as thousands of people waited patiently for the procession of the coffin carrying the remains of Pope Francis to the basilica.
From early morning, queues snaked their way around the immense open space, from St Peter's Basilica, all the way out of the square.
People were queuing in the hope of getting to see the procession itself and then to pay their respects to Pope Francis, who will lie in state from today until Friday.
Two of those queueing to enter the square early this morning were Darragh and Bernadette Mac Ciaráin from Co Galway.
"It is amazing how it happened, we had our tickets booked for the Vatican this morning, and just heard the breaking news when we arrived on Monday. What are the chances of you booking a few days away in Rome and this happening. So, it’s a once in a lifetime event that we get to experience" said Darragh.
Speaking about the significance of ordinary people getting to pay tribute to Pope Francis, Bernadette added: "It’s very important for a lot of people, people with a deep Catholic faith. It’s so important for those people to be able to come here today and pay their respects."
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Linda Quinn, from Co Longford, remembers Pope Francis's trip to Ireland in 2018 and the impression it made on the Irish public.
"It was a huge event. We were actually there in Dublin on the day that he was going through the streets. We joined the crowds and saw him go by in his popemobile. So, I suppose to be here now when he has passed is a nice way to pay our last respects to him," she said.
John Doyle, who is visiting Rome from Ireland, said: "We're humbled to be here. He was a great man, a humble man and we're delighted to be here to be part of this.
"We were in the Sistine Chapel last night and we were discussing how lucky we are to be here and be part of this.
"We've been getting so many messages from home of jealousy, but of course of good wishes as well. People at home are just delighted someone from the family is here to witness this.
"I think he did reconnect the Catholic Church with a lot of Irish people when he came to visit. John Paul II did the same and I think the Church is very lucky to have Ireland as part of it."
Before this morning's procession began, a prayer was led by Irish-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo who is running the Vatican until a new pope is chosen.
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