Romans Mourn Francis, Their Bishop and Their ‘Man of Peace’

Rome reacted deeply to the loss of Pope Francis, with many faithful flocking to St. John Lateran, the city’s oldest church and seat of Rome’s bishop. The basilica, a short walk from their homes in one of Rome’s busiest neighborhoods, became a focal point for locals seeking comfort after hearing the news. Though distant from the Vatican and St. Peter’s Square, it remains a central place of worship for Romans and a symbol of the city’s spiritual life beyond the Vatican walls.