Back to Rome

Wednesday, we wandered down to St. Peter's Square to see if the Papal audience would be outside. We did not have tickets, but when it's outside, anyone can get into the square, they just need tickets to get close. Unfortunately, this time it was inside, and we were unable to see the Pope. Two years ago when we were in Rome it was much colder and rainy, yet the audience was outside. Ah well, I suppose we can't complain, having had the chance to kiss his ring two years ago. However, we were already in the square, and Maria was able to play with the pigeons again, much to her delight.

Next we headed to Castel Sant' Angelo, originally built as Hadrian's tomb, then used as a refuge of the popes, then a prison. Now it is a museum. Pope St. Gregory the Great saw St. Michael on top of the fortress sheathing his sword, signalling an end to the plague. The picture below shows John and Maria in the moat, where we had a picnic lunch.

After lunch we walked to the Trevi fountain, into which Maria threw a coin, to ensure a return visit to Rome.

Next it was on to St. Paul Outside the Walls, the last of the four major basilicas we had yet to see. It is built over the tomb of St. Paul. This was one of John's favorite churches the last time we came to Rome, and after the Duomo in Orvieto it has one of the more beautiful facades we have ever seen. Unfortunately, the entire lower half of the facade was covered in scaffolding.