Over 100,000 people gathered at St Peter's Square in the Vatican City for a night's vigil early Sunday after the death of Pope John Paul II was announced.

Nuns, priests and pilgrims recited the Hail Mary and sang the Ave Maria in the illuminated Saint Peter's Square.

"The Holy Father died this evening at 2137 local time in his private apartment," said a brief statement released by the Holy See.

Photograph: Paolo COCCO/AFP/Getty Images

Also See: Pope John Paul II is dead