Great Journey 🏍🏍 Day 54
Recently I read that on Sunday the Pope speaks to the people. Even though I didn't grow up Catholic, I wanted to go and see it. Gerd "wanted" too - the promise of pizza afterwards "convinced" him.
We arrive at St Peter's shortly before 12. There are not many people there. Suddenly there is applause, a red carpet rolls out of a small window at the top (is the Pope coming on a flying carpet?) and the Pope appears at the window.
We can't understand him while he prays the Angelus (which is broadcast over the entire square via loudspeakers), the people below look up devoutly, some of them mumble along with the prayers, now and then there is a loud Amen from everyone and after about a quarter of an hour there is the blessing from the Pontifex Maximus (who, by the way, is called the supreme bridge builder, so let's get to work!). Short cheers from the faithful, applause and then first the Holy Father and then the carpet retreated from the window.
And no, I am not Catholic. And yes, I was very moved. And I've been trying all day (so far unsuccessfully) to define what from. The square itself is very impressive, I didn't understand the prayer, I almost didn't see the Pope. St Peter's Basilica was great cinema. Absolutely brilliant!
There is not enough time for more today, we are completely exhausted by the impressions - but the good thing is: tomorrow is another day! And the day after tomorrow, too.
