Hello from the Eternal City. My name is Column Flynn and I'm standing here in the heart of Rome, close to the Coliseum, a place, as you know, that attracts tourists from all over the world. But today, this city is filled with pilgrims. And I'm standing in front

of this incredible fourth-century basilica, the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, or St. Mary Major. This is the

place where Pope Francis was laid to rest. In front of me, I can see lines of people queuing to go into the

basilica to pay their final respects to the late Holy Father.

Some of them are holding roses in their hand.

I can see flags being waved from nations all over the world.

Some praying quietly up at the gates.

Well, as you know, the pontiff, he passed away on Monday, April the 21st. He was 88 years of age.

His pontificate had lasted just a little bit over 12 years.

He was celebrated by some. He was condemned by others.

And depending on who you ask, his papacy was a beautiful one, but it was also a complex one.

This is Heart and Soul from the BBC World Service, and in this program,

I'll be talking to Catholics who are gathered here in Rome, but also around the world,

about what they want to see from the new Catholic leadership at this very crucial point of change.

People are afraid, people are insecure, they don't know how their future is going to look like.

And I'm also afraid, and I understand young people that they need some security.

And I think tradition sometimes gives securities.

To be able to participate equally in our religion,

I think that could be quite awesome for women.

Probably if there is a twin of Pope Francis.

A twin of Pope Francis. That would be the better or the best even.

Well, I've made my way across the city and I'm standing now right in the middle of St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, just looking up at the incredible basilica.

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