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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Angela Giuffrida in Vatican City

‘He was humble and close to the people’: Catholics pay respects to Pope Francis

A woman signs a book of condolence while another looks on.
People sign a book of condolence near an image of late Pope Francis at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, Italy, 21 April 2025. Photograph: Giuseppe Lami/EPA

Bill Nicoletti and his family, from Philadelphia, were among the thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square for Easter Sunday mass when Pope Francis arrived in his open-air popemobile.

The vehicle cruised through the square, stopping occasionally for the pontiff to bless babies that were brought towards him, as the delighted crowd shouted “Viva il papa!” (Long live the pope!)

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