Wednesday

We took the 8 a.m. bus to the Vatican. Arrived at about 8:30, went through security and then into the grand Papal Hall where we waited for Pope Benedict XVI to arrive. Since we arrived early, we sat in the front third of the hall. The hall was packed with thousands of people by the time the Pope arrived. Many were large groups of students from around the world, screaming and clapping when the Swiss Guard walked in followed by the Pope.

The Pope welcomed everyone followed by about seven cardinals bringing greetings and reading a Psalm in seven languages from around the world. The Pope then gave an address followed by each Cardinal welcoming various groups from his region of the world in their language. Some of the groups sang a song for the Pope. The whole thing lasted about 1 ½ hours. Was a bit boring, but very educational and worth the experience.

Judy and I then walked from the Vatican to the Pantheon – a Roman temple at least 2,000 years old with a rich history of being the temple of all gods. In 608 AD, it was consecrated as a Christian church which it still remains today.

We then walked to the Roman Forum – an ancient Roman marketplace, civic center, religious complex and center of ancient Roman public life. We spent the afternoon walking through ancient ruins and the Palatine Hill. Around 4 p.m. we walked over to the Roman Colosseum – a massive arena built by Emperor Vespasian in 69-79 AD. It was used for gladiator fights, games, and as a place where many Christians were fed to wild animals in front of 50,000 people.

Exhausted and tired, we took the metro back to the Termini Station, where we found a nearby restaurant and then walked up the three long flights of stairs to our room. Another very full and rich day!