A BIRKBY woman watched the Pope's funeral on TV today - after attending the final Mass as he died in the Vatican.
Mrs Susan Brook was in Rome on the evening the Pope died in his apartments and took part with thousands of others in a moving Mass.
Now she is back at home in Birkby Hall Road with memories of her part in a moment of history.
Mrs Brook had travelled to Italy on an art appreciation holiday, booked six months ago, and made the journey with friends to St Peter's in Rome to pay their respects.
"We arrived on the evening the Pope died and just happened to be there at the moment he passed away.
"We were taking part in the final Mass, which was very moving, when they switched out the lights in the Pope's private apartments to signal that he had died.
"I am not a practising Catholic but it was a very moving moment, a piece of history.
"He was a much-loved man and I understand why so many people called him Poppa.
"The mood wasn't sad or distressing, more of relief that he had become free of pain.
"I shall be watching the service today on TV".
