Mixed emotions of pilgrims of all faiths

Are all the people there part of the religious faithful or are there some gawkers that are just there because it is seen as an historic event?
There are a limited number of just tourists or gawkers. The majority are the "faithful" – but not necessarily Catholic. 

We talked to people of all faiths. Many viewed the pope as just this inspiring religious leader in a broader sense. Also [they see him] as an example of someone they especially want to teach their children about and to give honor to the inspiration that he was to all faiths.

The crowd is mostly Italians and mostly Catholic, but we have met people from all over the world and of all faiths. When we talk to them about why they are there, they say it’s because he was this man who transcended the Catholic Church in terms of his effect on people. He is seen as a Christian inspiration for all.

Vatican City is a country unto itself, what is going on in the rest of Rome? Is the city absorbing all of the people? 
They are trying. You get the sense from officials in Rome that they are a bit overwhelmed. Mostly it’s a housing issue.

Around the Vatican it’s extraordinarily well organized because they are used to such big events. If you think about it, the pope did make appearances every Wednesday and every Sunday, so they are accustomed to huge crowds in the square, certainly not of this magnitude, but huge crowds.

Housing seems to be the most troubling issue and the biggest challenge. One of the problems is that people are basically pitching tents wherever they want. So, officials in the city have tried to set up makeshift camps in certain areas and fairgrounds where they can try to assert some control over where they are setting up cots and tents. People are arriving and essentially plopping down, which has police somewhat concerned — in part because of the security issues also. 

Two hundred heads of state are due here for the funeral. So, the area around Vatican City will become increasingly tighter in terms of security. They don’t want to have a situation where people are basically sleeping in the street, so to speak.

Rome is usually a very vibrant, busy city; has the city taken on a mournful tone?
Shops are open, restaurants are open. The city is by no means closed down. But, obviously the city’s entire focus is on what is happening here at the Vatican now and trying to accommodate crowds like they’ve never seen here before.

Rome is a major city, so people are going about their lives. That said, you turn on the TV and all you will see is coverage of the pope. This is all people are talking about. Posters have gone up throughout the city honoring the pope. It is everywhere, you feel it everywhere.

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