Gray skies over the Vatican as the Roman Catholic church begins the search for a new pope.
In an atmostphere drenched in uncertainty, church leaders have begun arriving in Rome to find a sucessor to Pope Benedict.
Days after he became the first pontiff to resign in 600 years, many here are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the talks.
(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) PASSER-BY, MARIA GRAZIA ARACA, SAYING:
"It's a very sad situation but it was what the Pope wished to do. It was his decision and the will of God. So let's just wait until the new Pope arrives."
Victims rights advocates are hoping the church elects a leader willing to confront the sex abuse scandals that have plagued the institution.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) DIRECTOR OF THE SURVIVORS NETWORK OF THOSE ABUSED BY PRIESTS (SNAP), DAVID CLOHESSY, SAYING:
"Pope Benedict's resignation in and of itself was a bold and decisive move and that gives us hope that maybe his successor can be equally bold and dec
