MATTHEW YOUNG: 'Pope Francis's death shocked Rome - his followers' pain was unmistakeable'

Despite his critically ill health during hospitalisation just weeks ago, the death of Pope Francis has left Rome shocked to its core. The pain etched on the faces of his followers was unmistakable tonight as a prayer in his remembrance was held in St Peter’s Square.

Hundreds turned up to express their sorrow for his loss after the announcement this morning that rocked millions across the world. The fears for his health had not faded in recent weeks following his release from hospital on March 23, after 38 days of treatment for double pneumonia. But hope had taken hold for some.

A hope that this Pontiff - known as the ‘Pope of the poor’ for his work with the less fortunate - would be around for some time yet.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

He had made several public appearances in the past month.

Against medical advice, he visited Rome's Regina Coeli prison last Thursday - an annual tradition.

And he appeared on Easter Sunday to wish Happy Easter to those gathered before him in St Peter’s Square, as he spoke briefly from the Vatican balcony in what became his final public appearance.

En route to St Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, his popemobile ride through the piazza saw him blessing babies as followers caught the final moments of his public life.

But they were not to know. And they did not expect to awake this morning to hear that at 7:35am, Francis had died at his residence in Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City.

During his hospitalisation, which began on February 14, twice-daily updates were given to the public via the media’s daily briefings with the Holy See Press Office.

There was an in-depth insight into a Pope’s ill health like never before, and it came at the demand of Francis.

He wanted transparency with his condition.

So as time elapsed following his discharge and brief public appearances occurred, there was a natural sense of hope that order had been restored at the helm of the Catholic Church.

For so many, this Pope has been different and broke boundaries.

He made it his business to cut down on the pomp and ritual of his role, by opting to remain in Casa Marta rather than live in the apostolic palace.

He will have a basic, wooden coffin which will not be raised high from the ground as with other Pontiffs, and it will be closed.

Francis, a more liberal Pontiff, had touched the hearts of many by investing heavily in trying to ensure Rome’s homeless people and refugees were not outcast from society.

The homeless too prayed around St Peter’s Square tonight for their Pope.

There is a sense of spiritual contentness here that, of all days to die, it happened over Easter.

But those emotions are right now heavily weighed down by the reality that Francis - seen as a voice of reason in tumultuous international times - has passed.

“It’s Easter Monday. An incredible blessing for him to pass on this day,” said Rome citizen Angela Maria, who attended nightly prayers for Francis in St Peter’s Square when he was in hospital.

She had no idea the video her husband took of Francis in the popemobile driving through crowds would become so significant to her.

“My husband took that video yesterday of him reentering the Vatican for the last time from Rome,” she said.

“But we can’t stop crying,” she added.

“We are now orphans.”