Woot! Maerose here. 😉 This post is long overdue. I just can’t help but share the wonderful trip I had with my sisters and some relatives to the smallest country in the world by both area and population — The Vatican, in 2013! As a raised Roman Catholic, it was one of my dreams to actually set foot on the grounds of St. Peter’s Square. The Vatican City in Rome is like the Hajj (Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca) to the Muslims. Many Christians travel to Rome to get a glimpse of the Pope, attend a special Holy Mass, to soul-search, or simply to visit the Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and/or the Vatican Museums.

The Vatican City was established on February 11, 1929 and has its own political and economic system, with the Pope being the Head of State. Well-known to all Catholics, the Pope is elected via a papal conclave.  After the election, the papers used in the process are burned. Black smoke indicates that no new Pope is elected, white smoke indicates otherwise.

At present, Pope Francis holds the title as the Head of the Church. Born in Argentina, the Pope is the 266th Pope of the Holy Roman Catholic Church, and is well-loved by the people because of his humility and compassion. To be honest, we didn’t know he was celebrating his birthday when we went to the Vatican in December. Surprise-surprise!

But even if it wasn’t his birthday, my relatives said that the Vatican is always teeming with tourists and pilgrims. According to sources, the Vatican Museum alone received about 4.3 million visitors in 2007.

Because of the thousands of crowds visiting the place, security is really tight. Visitors are advised not to bring deadly weapons like pens, umbrellas, knives, etc. You will also have to line up for security scans.

While waiting in line, I decided to feast on the general structure of the square. In the middle of the piazza is a recognizable obelisk, which I learned to be known as “the Witness”. Why? The 130 ft structure from Egypt is believed to have witnessed the crucifixion of St. Peter, the original head of the Church as appointed by Jesus himself! There’s also a large fountain designed by Maderno in 1613 placed near the obelisk. Sadly, I couldn’t leave my spot on the queue to take a closer look at the fountain. Besides, a significant part of the complex was being renovated at that time.

And because it was the Pope’s birthday, a huge area just in front of the basilica was filled with chairs for the Holy Mass. The Basilica was designed by famous architects, engineers and artists, mainly Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. If you want to read more about “the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture and one of the largest churches in the world”, click this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Peter%27s_Basilica.

The main facade is something to admire, with all the colonnade and statues of saints and angels. But wait until you get inside. It is more than just the faith — it is also about the dedication of the people behind the beautiful structure.

It was a very short tour inside the Basilica of St. Peter. We went out along with a huge crowd, and little did we expect that Pope Francis would show himself up and speak to us (the crowd)! But before that, a wonderful music of children singing him a Happy Birthday (in Italian or Latin, I suppose?) filled the air and brought cheers to everyone.

My faith is something very personal. Ever since I have been exposed to many perspectives and faiths, I have decided to just be open-minded and critical. I don’t go to Mass as often as I did before, but I know in my heart that I am a human being and it is my duty to be as compassionate as I could to others.  Hearing the Pope deliver his message of peace stirs a happy and joyful feeling inside! It was surreal at that moment.

It was the final leg of our first visit in Rome. Sadly, I didn’t manage to see the Sistine Chapel and the Museums. But that’s ok. I’m sure there would be other chances. 😉 Can’t wait to write more about the Italian gelato and our super escapade in the City of the Seven Hills! ❤

Edit: I visited the Vatican City for the second time in 2022. During that visit, I visited the Sistine Chapel in the Museum, and the Tower of St. Angelo: https://pinayodyssey.com/2023/01/04/vatican-city-state-visiting-the-vatican-museums-and-st-peters-basilica-the-2nd-time-around-day-3/. 🙂