Professor Anna Rowlands, who previously spent two years seconded to the Vatican during his papacy, happened to be in the Italian capital for Easter.
The professor of Catholic social thought and practice at Durham University described pilgrims and tourists mingling in the city as the news filtered through on Monday.
She told the PA news agency: “The atmosphere in Rome today has been one of shock, of sadness and of gratitude.
Professor Anna Rowlands recalled the Pope’s humour (Anna Rowlands/PA)
“Despite his recent long illness, there was still a sense of real – perhaps surprising – shock this morning.
“I think many who had been in the square for his Easter greeting yesterday felt that it had been fitting that he had been able to proclaim his Easter greeting with such determination, joy and conviction despite the effort it clearly posed for him, before dying.
“The square gradually filled with pilgrims and tourists mingling during the day, and many Romans coming to pay their respects. It was a mix of joy, sadness and normal life going on – something that I think the Pope would have appreciated.”
Prof Rowlands has also spoken of how Francis’s “common touch” and ability to connect easily with people is a huge loss to the Catholic Church.
Recalling sharing a football joke with the pontiff, she said the religious leader had roared with laughter when she told him she was a Manchester United fan the first time ...
[Short citation of 8% of the original article]