nine o'clock
The three thousand members of the International Pilgrimage were increased tenfold by the arrival of all the tourists in Italy , who had hastened to Rome eager to witness one of those great pontifical functions which nowadays are so rare . Moreover , the devotees and partisans whom the Holy See numbered in Rome itself and in other great cities of the kingdom , helped to swell the throng , all alacrity at the prospect of a demonstration . Judging by the tickets distributed , there would be a concourse of 40,000 people . And , indeed , at nine o'clock , when Pierre crossed the piazza on his way to the Canons ' Entrance in the Via Santa Marta , where the holders of pink tickets were admitted , he saw the portico of the facade still thronged with people who were but slowly gaining admittance , while several gentlemen in evening dress , members of some Catholic association , bestirred themselves to maintain order with the help of a detachment of Pontifical Guards . Nevertheless , violent quarrels broke out in the crowd , and blows were exchanged amidst the involuntary scramble . Some people were almost stifled , and two women were carried off half crushed to death . A disagreeable surprise met Pierre on his entry into the Basilica .