The Vatican has initiated a Rosary prayer in St Peter's Square in the first public memorial ceremony since the death of Pope Francis.
Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica, led the sunset prayer ritual.
The first reading was given by Sister Raffaella Petrini, President of the Vatican and one of the most high-profile women in the Vatican.
Her appointment was a sign of Francis' emphasis on the need to give women more prominent roles in decision-making.
Pope Francis died on Monday at the age of 88. The first Latin American pontiff in history won hearts with his humility and concern for those in need, despite criticism from many conservatives for his views on capitalism and climate change.
The cause of his death remains unknown, although Francis had a chronic lung disease and was hospitalized on February 14 due to a respiratory crisis that led to double pneumonia.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
