St Peter's Basilica is quite the draw in Roma. Pope Francis spoke today in the square, and he has such a pleasant voice. I didn't understand anything he said, but I recognized some of the Catholic rituals, having attending mass many times in Spain. It was amazing to actually see (sorta, he was pretty far away) and hear him talk. Later, I happened to be on the street when he went by in a cavalcade. There were at least eighteen long suburbans with secret service looking men. Security was very tight in St. Peters square. Many officers had serious-looking shoulder weapons, and they did not look like they had any sense of humor.
The Sistine Chapel and the Museum were closed today. I waited for about an hour in line to enter Saint Peter's Basilica. It really was worth the wait. I have been here before, but I still love to see the beautiful Basilica.
This is the baptismal, and they have baptisms several times a week.
The above photos are of the famous Swiss Guards. I tried to see if the on the left ever blinked and he took perfectly still for so long, I thought he was a wax figure. They change the guard once every hour. My only disappointment was that I got to the Basilica about 9:00 AM and was told that everything was closed until 2:00. I was trying to get my Via Franchesenia certificate. I then rode around on the Hop-on Bus and came back around two...only to find out that the office for the pilgrims was already closed. I couldn't even find a refrigerator magnet for the Via Francesena. But I know that I walked it , God knows that I walked it so who needs the paper. LOL
So tomorrow is Arrivederci Roma. This has been such a wonderful experience. I may post one more time when I get home just to talk about the differences in the Caminos. This REALLY makes me want to walk the entire Francigena which starts in Canterbury England.
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