Today, mourning makes way for joy and celebration on the same streets where thousands farewelled Pope Francis last month.
Catholics are ushering in their new leader, with tens of thousands expected to pack St Peter's square for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.
This US tourist says he's excited to welcome the first pope from his homeland.
''It's going to be very emotional. We're very, very happy. And seeing all the energy of the people here coming for a peaceful reunion, it's fantastic.''
On his way to St Peter's Square Pope Leo will take his first ride in the iconic Popemobile, and he'll receive a strip of lambswool to represent his role as a shepherd to the world's Catholics during the ceremony.
The new pope will also receive a ceremonial gold signet known as the fisherman's ring, which is specially cast for each pope, and broken when they die.
Born Robert Prevost, this pope says he wants peace to be the focus of his papacy.
He was saying there that war is never inevitable.
A message that will be on the minds of many in attendance at the formal commencement of Leo's papacy.
None more so than Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who's expected to visit Vatican city following his recent trip to Turkiye for disappointing peace talks with Russia.
Also in Rome for the event is Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. He says the pope has an important role to play moving forward.
"He spoke about peace and justice in the world, and following on from what I think was an extraordinary role that Pope Francis played in sending out that message of justice and looking after the vulnerable and the poor. Being compassionate and kind is important in today's world where we have so much turbulence and people are looking for some constancy and they're looking for higher values and a belief."
Catholic convert US Vice President JD Vance is set to attend, alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and a long list of national leaders and royal families.
With so many high-profile guests, security is already been stepped up on the streets of Rome, as the city gets set for a major milestone in its spiritual life.
SPEAKER ONE: "It just feels so magical at the moment."
SPEAKER TWO: "Thought it was just like, yeah, a moment in history we didn't want to miss."
