WATCH | Local Parishioner Present for the Moment the Bells Tolled in Rome, Announcing Pope Francis' Death

(Video courtesy of Mary Krolicki)

As the news of Pope Francis' death made its way around the world yesterday, a wave of grief followed soon after as faithful worldwide mourned the loss of their spiritual father.

One local parishioner found herself at the epicenter of it all, as she was visiting Rome and happened to be in the Vatican running errands.

"I was already at the Vatican running errands when the announcement came out," Mary Krolicki told the Denver Catholic. "I got the text from a priest with me on this trip and thought, 'Oh my gosh.' I immediately left and headed to St. Peter's Square.

Once there, she noticed the atmosphere was subdued. It seemed as though many gathered at St. Peter's hadn't quite heard the news yet.

Even still, Krolicki noticed groups of people praying quietly for the late pope, asking the Blessed Virgin Mary's intercession through the Rosary. Together with her group, she too prayed the Rosary for Pope Francis' peaceful repose.

After praying some additional Requiem prayers for the Holy Father, Krolicki said she could hear bells tolling and re-echoing throughout the Eternal City.

"At 10:35, I'd say, the bells went off. The bells were going off through the whole city. Everyone was ringing their bells," she recalled of the beautiful experience that led her to shed a tear or two.

As she made her way about Rome on Monday afternoon, Krolicki said she had a front-row seat to countless people's discovery of the pontiff's passing. On the bus, on the streets and all around, the wave of shock and grief continued to emanate as the day went on.

But, Krolicki said, something different took place between Catholics and Christians. As priests and religious would pass each other, they would nod, pat each other on the back or give some external sign of understanding and unity. It was, after all, an historic day — they had lost a spiritual father.

That evening, Krolicki and her group made their way back to the Vatican to pray with faithful from around the world. By then, most everyone had heard of Pope Francis' passing.

The air in St. Peter's Square was heavier, more somber and solemn during this nighttime vigil, Krolicki said. Yet, it filled with a spirit of hope, as she heard and saw countless mourners praying and singing together, praying and giving thanks for a dear spiritual father.

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Pope Francis' funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. Rome time (2:00 a.m. Mountain time).

The Church continues the traditional novemdiales, the nine-day period of mourning following the death of the Holy Father. During this time, she offers special prayers and fasting for Pope Francis' peaceful repose in the hands of the Father. All are encouraged to participate.