All eyes on Rome ahead of papal inauguration

Aside from the barricades that criss-crossed St Peter’s Square, there was little to hint that a new leader of the Catholic Church was due to be installed in Rome today.

Battered by the rain and bruised by wayward umbrellas, it was business as usual for the thousands of pilgrims heading towards the basilica yesterday.

Many paused at its towering front doors to take in the sweeping view Pope Francis will command today during his inauguration ceremony.