Michelangelo and the Masses

Rome was absolutely packed! Especially with the Jubilee celebration, which only happens once every 25 years! There we were, shuffling along with thousands of friends through the places we’ve long dreamed of seeing. Visiting St. Peter’s Square, where the Pope would lead Mass the next day, and climbing to the top of the Basilica for a bird’s-eye view of the Pope’s “backyard,” was surreal.

Then came the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s masterpiece. After wandering nearly four miles through the Vatican Museum’s hallways, I didn’t even realize we were inside until Andy whispered, “We’re here.” It’s a square room, wall-to-wall people, and nothing like any other church we’ve been in. And everywhere I looked—hundreds of naked humans! There were over 300 on the ceiling alone. Many looked like they could have starred in Gladiator. After visiting the Colosseum and learning about the bloody battles where over 400,00 people were killed for entertainment, it hit me just how much has changed. We no longer kill people for sport and places of worship are thankfully free of gladiators with fig leaves.

For us, the highlight was the Pantheon. After clocking over 20 miles on foot in two days, it was the perfect place to slow down. I dozed off in a cozy pew, and when I woke up, the place had emptied out. Finally, a moment to enjoy it at a pace that felt just right.Read more