Meeting the Pope

The Pope has a general audience with the public on Wednesdays.  We had reserved our tickets though the Bishops' Office for the United States Visitors to the Vatican several weeks in advance. Such reservations allows one to get into St. Peter's Square when it opens to the public, but it does not guarantee one a seat or even meeting the Pope. Thousands of those tickets are issued for the event.

We got up very early, took the city bus to St. Peter's Square and were among the first to arrive at the venue at 6;30am. But-for the staff, the place was basically empty.  Thus we were near the front of the line. Once the gate opened and we passed through security, Amaka and Obi ran very fast to get us good seats right in front.

Waiting for Pope Francis

First glimpse of "Papa Francesco" in his Pope Mobile

Our efforts paid off. Twice. When the Holy Father came by in his Pope Mobile, Chimdi was the first for the pope to touch.

A gentleman from Chicago sitting next to us had the video of the meeting captured on his handheld device.

Carrying Chimdi high enough for the Pope to see

Papa Francesco waving to the audience

Papa asked for Chimdi who was carried by his guards to him

 

 

 Following the drive around the Square, the Pope delivered his weekly message and blessings

He then came down from the alter, straight to where we were. Next to us was a group of students from Barcelona whose school was celebrating its 50 year anniversary. They gave the Pope the red sash. He then turned over to Chimdi Peter:

 

Perfect eye contact: The successor to St. Peter meets Chimdi Peter.

 

 

We met this Pilgrim from Colorado with a fascinating story, Quickly bonded with the kids. She has been to over 60 countries, 40 of them by foot. For this audience, she walked from Latvia to Rome.

On our way out of the Square

A perfect day at the Vatican!