Visitors share the sorrow in streets of Eternal City

DEATH has come to the eternal city and mortality has struck at a faith that believes in everlasting life.

Rome was in unsettled mood yesterday, caught between its duties as the focus of sorrow for a grieving global congregation and its unrivalled role as a place of joy for carefree tourists.

The flags were lowered to half mast on the countless national monuments and stately buildings.