<b>Photos: </b>Change at the Vatican

Worshipers at a requiem Mass heard a posthumous appeal from John Paul: “ ... The risen Lord offers as a gift his love that pardons, reconciles and reopens the soul to hope.”  (Genaro Molina / LAT)

Throngs of Catholic faithful, admirers of John Paul II and visitors to Rome fill St. Peter’s Square for a Mass for the repose of the pope’s soul.  (Genaro Molina / LAT)

These nuns are among the 2 million pilgrims expected to converge in Rome for the pope’s services.  (Genaro Molina / LAT)

With thousands of people viewing the procession up close, and millions watching on television, Pope John Paul II is carried through St. Peter’s Square in Rome on his way to lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica.  (Genaro Molina / LAT)

With thousands of people viewing the procession up close, and millions watching on television, Pope John Paul II is carried through St. Peter’s Square in Rome on his way to lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica.  (Genaro Molina / LAT)

Members of the College of Cardinals and dignitaries are gathered near the coffin of Pope John Paul II during his funeral in St. Peter’s Square.  (Genaro Molina / LAT)

The imposing facade of St. Peter’s Basilica provides the backdrop for the solemn rites. Those in attendance not only filled the square, but spilled far beyond it. Although vast numbers of visitors from abroad were in attendance, the Italian presence was strong. At times a chant of “Giovanni Paulo” (John Paul) arose from the crowd.  (Genaro Molina / LAT)

In Rome, Carolina Brancia, 5, runs past new papal outfits in three sizes, one to be worn by the next pontiff. A German cardinal has become the focus of speculation.  (Genaro Molina / LAT)

Father Virgilio Missori walks the empty corridors of the Basilica of Sts. Ambrose and Charles on the Corso, a few miles from St. Peter’s Square. The vacant church is one of many worldwide, with the number of Catholics in decline.  (Genaro Molina / LAT)

Black smoke rises from a chimney of the Sistine Chapel at dusk.  (Genaro Molina / LAT)

The crowd in St. Peter’s Square celebrates the sounding of the bells announcing a new pope.  (Genaro Molina / LAT)

Celebrating the new pope, Andrea Ezcurra waves the flag of Argentina. Other visitors displayed those of Germany, Honduras, Mexico and the U.S. Young people seemed to be the most excited.  (Genaro Molina / LAT)

Cardinals listen to Pope Benedict XVI give his blessing from a balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica.  (Genaro Molina / LAT)

Pope Benedict XVI reads to the multitude in St. Peter’s Square. “I think you’re going to see that spiritual, pastoral side of him emerge,” Cardinal Roger M. Mahony said.  (Genaro Molina / LAT)

Pope Benedict XVI gestures to the crowd from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.  (Genaro Molina / LAT)