MASS, PAPA FRANCESCO AND CAMPO DE FIORI!

John and I set out this morning to the Vatican, to see if we could attend one of the masses at St. Peter’s Basilica.  We took the Metro, and, would you believe, John was nearly pickpocketed AGAIN!  Luckily, we have become VERY AWARE, and John only had his cellphone in his pocket, (because his wallet had already been stolen! 🤣).  But the guy was able to unbutton one of the two buttons on his pocket!  UNBELIEVABLE!  If you ever get the opportunity to visit Rome, beware of crowded Metros and anyone with a jacket draped over an arm!  (You’re welcome!)

We certainly weren’t alone as we approached the Vatican!

There were confessionals scattered along the sides of the church and people would just walk up and talk to the priest inside.  (Gone are the days of hiding behind curtains!)  John actually made his confession, and when he said it had been at least fifty years since his last one, the priest told him “please don’t wait another fifty years!” 🤣

The seats were all full, but we were able to stand during most of the mass.  This one, unfortunately, had no choirs singing and no elaborate line up of bishops and cardinals and such.  But mass in St. Peter’s Basilica is still mass in St. Peter’s Basilica (VERY special!).

When mass was over, we noticed a sign saying something like “Tombs of Popes” with an arrow pointing downstairs.  No cameras were allowed, (therefore no photos), but it was an amazing area beneath the church with hallways full of tombs, each with a picture depicting what pope was buried there, with details about their individual lives.  It was all written in Italian, so all we could make out was the year of their deaths!

When we were finished and walked outside, we saw lots of people looking like they were waiting for something to happen.  And then, when the clock struck noon, something did happen….

…Papa Francesco came to the window and spoke to the people (including John and I) below.  AMAZING!  We couldn’t believe our luck!

When we left the Vatican for the last time, (on this trip—hopefully we’ll be back), we walked by a church that John (of course) wanted to go inside.  And so we did!

It was a beautiful church that was undergoing a huge renovation—just the kind that Diedam Decorating used to do!  Mike, Jim and Steve—it looked like they could use your help!

We walked and walked and walked and made it to our final destination, Campo De Fiori, where one of the oldest markets in Rome was in full swing.

We stopped for a delicious lunch (and drinks!) and then browsed the market!  

It was wonderful!  Anything you could ever want or need was there (as well as everything you didn’t want or need!).  

Finally, we walked back toward our condo, savoring every single moment.  We leave tomorrow to head to Bari.  While we cannot wait to take in this new area of Italy, we will miss everything Rome.  There is no place quite like it (pickpockets and all!).

We enjoyed a delightful Chinese dinner, at a restaurant close to our condo, (yes, Jon, Jas and Chloe—it was EXCELLENT!).  And we got a text that Jonathan FINALLY made it home to Shallie!  Yea!!!  

CIAO FOR NOW, Rome!