Day 51: Vatican City and Rome

I attended Pope Francis' weekly audience today! The Aussies I met on my way to La Storta were lucky enough to get tickets, and as Steve didn't want to use his, Leontine offered me the ticket. We joined the ticket holder queue at 7 a.m. and unbelievably, we were only three rows from the front when we got to sit down! The 38th Irish Brigade of Irish soldiers, playing the bagpipes, entered the square before the pope (yes, he was in the pope mobile) - the soldiers were brilliant and the pope was greeted like a rock star. As I only understand English, most of what was said was lost on me, but I do know from the crowds reaction that he was funny and made a real connection with those present. After a coffee and a sit down (I did not get much sleep last night), I walked through Saint Peter's Basilica, then met the American pilgrims, Tammy and Allan, in Saint Peter's Square as they have now completed the VF also. We had lunch together, it's also Tammy's birthday, and then I went off to collect my credential for the Via di Francesco and ended my day with a walk along the Tiber.Read more