The Canonization of Two Popes

Being raised Catholic and born in the 1980s, Pope John Paul II was at the helm of the church for the majority of my life and was beatified two weeks after I first moved to Rome. This past Sunday he and John XXIII were canonized on the same day, making history. With two living Popes in attendance I knew this was one historic event I did not want to miss. I did not go directly to the Vatican, because that would’ve have taken two days of camping out to get anywhere close to St. Peter’s.

On Saturday night I was out until about 3am and we saw groups of nuns and others heading to the Vatican. Rather than going to another party I headed home to ensure that I woke up for the mass, if I didn’t I knew my mother would never forgive me.

At 9:45am I rolled out of bed, got dressed and headed to Fori Imperiali which is a short five minute walk from my house. If I had to guess, I would say that there were around 2000 people on this street spread out across several viewing places. Polish flags were everywhere, 1,700 buses came from the home country of John Paul II. It was said that 500,000 people were in the vicinity of St. Peter’s. I assure only 10,000 of them could actually see the main stage, probably less. An additional 300,000 people were said to be spread out over the cities piazzas and other viewing areas, including Piazza Navona, Circo Massimo, Fori Imperiali and San Giovanni in Laterano.

The feeling in the air was very calming, very peaceful. I am not very religious, but this almost made become a faithful follower. Following the mass in Italian was very interesting. When it came time to say “peace be with you” I exchanged the greeting with about ten Polish people. It was an incredible feeling.

There was such a huge range of people that came to witness this historic event. Religious affiliation did not matter.

Many people camped out.

Africans do it like no other!

You could see joy in people’s hearts.

One of the nearly 200,000 Poles that came to Rome that weekend.

While watching the mass I overheard someone say something about Grand Rapids, a city in Michigan, so I tapped the shoulder of the man she was talking to. When he turned around I exclaimed, “You’re on TV!” It was Devin Scillian, one of the most famous anchors in Detroit. We had a quick chat, he is very nice and I ended up being interviewed. I didn’t have on any makeup and when my mom saw it she said, “where are your earrings? you’re naked!” My life is very random at times and I love every second of it. To be in TV in Detroit while living in Rome was one of the most random!

Of course we took a selfie!

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