With Pope Benedict XVI stepping down
and Pope Francis only being into his second weekend as Pope, a
Wednesday visit to the Vatican to see the Pope's weekly public
appearance was a must. Arriving just after sunrise the Vatican was
completely fenced off as thousands of people began arriving from all
over the city in excitement. From the hundreds of tour buses, school
field trips of energetic youth, church groups to glorify their new
leader, and just curious spectators as myself; that atmosphere was
like nothing I've ever seen.
From the outside looking onward it
appeared like the worlds biggest pep rally of cheering fans all
excited to get a glimpse of the Pope. As he rolled out on the Pope
Mobile and guards tore babies from their parents hands to receive a
blessing from his holiness; energetic youth and elders alike cheered
in his honor. After a short prayer Pope Francis sat down as his
translators gave 'Shout outs' to each energetic group for over an
hour, none being louder than the Italians as this Argentinian Popes
first words were in Italian.
Although the fate of the Catholic
church is uncertain, the faith of the thousands of spectators that
day filled with vigor from their new and energetic 76 year old Pope,
seems to show promise for a brighter chapter in the Churches history.
His enthusiasm, charming nature and instant ability to be a
crowd-pleaser will certainly help himself, the Vatican and the
1,200,000 followers around the globe during this time of transition
and
controversy.
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