In the Catholic Cathedral in Stockholm, the atmosphere is subdued after the death notice before the morning mass is about to begin.
It feels very sad that we have lost such a fantastic pope, says congregation member Julia, who does not want to give her last name, on her way into the church.
He was very firm in Christian values and brave, dared to take a stand in many controversial issues, she continues.
When the mass is over, the visitors leave one by one. Monick Tello came home from a trip to Rome and the Vatican State last night.
Yesterday, I was in St. Peter's Church and saw the pope, says Monick Tello and shows photos on her mobile.
Visited St. Peter's Church
The pictures show Pope Francis up close as he travels in his "pope mobile" at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican State.
For me, it was a big shock, says Monick Tello about the death notice.
She describes the pope as a spreader of joy and someone who dedicated his life to serving others.
My first thought was that he has fulfilled his life, his mission, which he received from God.
Another visitor is Alberto Arancibia, who was also shocked by the death notice.
But his health has been quite poor lately, he adds.
"Human pope"
Alberto Arancibia describes Pope Francis as a strong leader who sought justice in the world.
We have had a rather human pope this time.
What made him human?
He could see people's needs, our problems in a different way, a human way – not just divine.
Now the process begins to elect a new pope. For Alberto Arancibia, it is important to have a strong leader who can "deal" with everyone, which is not an easy situation today with wars and conflicts in the world, he believes.
He hopes that the next pope will try to create peace.
And try to get other leaders to realize that peace is the way to a better world, he says.
