Papa

On our last day in Rome, we went to visit the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica. We spent several hours touring the infinite Vatican museum, which was full of amazing stuff...more that we ever thought possible. Then, we traipsed over to St Peter's. I don't know what I wasn't expecting but the church was just so MASSIVE. As we wandered up to the front of the the basilica we were a bit disappointed that it was closed for mass. Out of curiosity, we joined a small group of people watching the procession leave mass.

the procession leaving mass

And then...everyone started pushing and shoving us and we soon saw why:

Pope Francis

There was the Pope! We didn't get a good picture because everyone was pushing and shoving and exclaiming "Papa, Papa!" and he walked by and gave his papal blessing.  Nevertheless, it was pretty cool to be only a few feet away from such a famous personality. Not a bad last day in Rome.