I saw the Vatican for the first time on January 6, 1998. Mum, dad and I had arrived in Rome the evening before and we stayed in Via Nazionale, a main street that leads to the Vatican. One of the first things I asked the manager of the Hotel we stayed in (I can't remember what it was called), was how one got to the Vatican. I was eager to visit this place which is such an important symbol for me. The following day, not only did I visit but I also was present for Pope John Paul's Mass - an experience I can never forget).
Some might consider this sentiment strange, however, it comes from a deep understanding of the role of the Pope, his link back to St. Peter and the particular courage and faith of this particular Pope. Despite an assassination attempt, much suffering, and rejection (often from Catholics and Clergy themselves) Pope John Paul the Second still travels the world spreading the Gospel and still defends human life from conception to death.
I was fortunate enough to be right on the aisle so I had a close look at the man and I remember thinking, "He is living his Calvary". The suffering was very clear in his eyes and on his face. Some may think he is too old to lead the Church - his writings clearly show that his mind is till there, as fit as a fiddle. I am certain that through his frailty, God is speaking volumes about the dignity of human life at all stages.
After the very long Epiphany Mass, the pope made his way down St. Peter's Basilica, (earlier he had resided above the very own tomb of St. Peter himself) in a zig zag fashion. To the left you can see the Pope blessing the crowd. Some parents were particularly overjoyed when he tapped their little daughter on the cheek.
Interestingly, despite the Parkinson's disease which tightens the muscles of the face and so on, as is clear in this photo, the Pope managed a hearty smile on his recent trip back home to Poland. It was spoke of quite a bit in the media.
The Swiss Guards at the end of the Procession. I am not sure where their place in history is.
