As we waited and people-watched, several bands took turns playing, we envied the groups with matching scarves, vests or hats (but not too much), read, prayed or chatted.
When Pope Benedict finally arrived, his pope mobile took him around the crowd as cameras projected his progress on large screens. (if one were to be mildly irreverent, trying to locate him through the crowds was a little like 'where's Waldo', except he has no red stripes)
Once he reached the main platform, a psalm was prayed in several languages, he read his weekly address (in Italian, perhaps), and then began the process of greeting visitors and pilgrims from each language group.
When they announced 'St. Andrew the Apostle in Apex, North Carolina' we stood and cheered, and the Holy Father gave a little wave in our direction. Once all the English speaking groups were announced, he spoke to us and thanked us for our presence and faith. This 90 minute service ended with an 'Our Father' and the papal blessing of the assembly- and by extension, our loved ones (do you feel it?!).
I'm amazed at this: there were at least four Swiss Guards standing near the papal platform. For those entire 90+ minutes, they did not move at all.
After a brief break, our group regathered and took a tour of the excavations under St. Peter's. It lasted over an hour and was fascinating, truly amazing. You can access an online simulation by a link in the right hand column of this page (Scavi/Necropolis).
We are on our own for dinner this evening and most anticipate making an early night of it, preparing for a 7:30 am departure for Florence tomorrow.
(Scott, Alina and all at Catholic Travel: thank you- all your arrangements so far have been excellent!)
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