A Papal Audience

This morning we all awoke before 5:30 AM to begin our day at the Vatican. We had no real idea of what to expect, aside from the thousands of chairs we saw yesterday on our way out of St. Peter's Basilica. We had planned to arrive at 6AM, hit the market for a quick breakfast and snack purchasing, but we got out of the Castello a bit later than planned. Several of the kids seemed a bit more tired this morning, but they were in good spirits. 

We arrived at the Vatican to find a mass of people waiting to fill the square, we were all glad we hadn't arrived at 6AM as originally planned. After forming our own little people train to push through the crowd, we swept through the metal detectors and into the sections of chairs. From what we were told, the free tickets we had guaranteed us seats. We were lucky and found seats in the first section of chairs. By 7:30 we were all seated and began the wait for Pope Francis...at 10AM. 

Spirits were still good, but a few of the kids took naps in their seats. It was not a place to just wander around. We had been told by the US Bishop's office to expect 100,000 - 200,000 people. They weren't kidding. The seats filled quickly and we pulled out a few games and were awed by the masses. 

The crowds are nothing like those in the states, even thoughthere were tons of police, secret service, and Swiss Guards throughout the crowd, everyone seemed calm and contented to wait. Even the kids understood the significance of this morning. 

When the time came for the Pope to arrive, the crowd climbed up on chairs as he was driven around the square kissing babies. As we watched, our name was announced as visitors today and we cheered louder than I've ever heard the kids cheer! 

The message was simple, and read in six different languages, remember to love one another and do not feel as though your faith has to be outward only. He then bestowed his blessing upon all of us and our families and loved ones before blessing the relics we had all brought. 

As a non-Catholic I'll never be able to truly understand the intensity and importance of seeing the Pope, but as a person of faith and the world I am glad to have this experience. It is moot to ask, "How many people can say they have seen the Pope in person?" simply because there are so many people at each public audience, but that does not make it less of an amazing and unique experience. 

On our last full day in Rome, we are able to experience something many people in America might balk at, thousands of people gathering together, in peace, to join for a few moments of faith, whether we were all of the same faith or not. I did not feel pressure to change my beliefs, purchase everything the Vatican has to offer, or nervous by being surrounded by thousands. This morning was truly a morning of peace, faith, and joy. I doubt I will ever have a similar experience again, and I hope the kids feel the same way.