Day 3: Papal Audience

Papal Audience this morning! HERE is what he said.

We arrived early, the air still cold. Sitting in St. Peter’s Square, you begin to notice what Bernini intended. The colonnades stretch outward, forming what he described as the maternal arms of the Church--gathering, embracing, holding everyone together.

That’s exactly what it felt like. People from every nation, every language, and yet one faith. We got to know a lot of people from all over the place in the US and beyond. So many mutual connections. 

When the Pope passed by, he looked directly at me. For a moment, it felt very personal. I simply said, “We love you Pope Leo.” Pope Leo also blessed Antonio's niece, who is 3 years old. 

Afterward, lunch at the Irish College, then back out.

St. John Lateran, the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, the mother church of the world. Not St. Peter’s. This one. There is something grounding in remembering that.

Then the Holy Stairs. The Holy Stairs, or Scala Sancta, are 28 marble steps in Rome believed to have been climbed by Jesus Christ on his way to trial before Pontius Pilate, brought to Rome by Saint Helena in the 4th century. Kneeling up each step, slowly, forces you into prayer. You can’t rush it. You’re drawn into it.

Then St. Mary Major, one of the oldest Marian churches. Built where snow miraculously fell in the heat of August, marking the place. God makes space for what He desires. It was a joy to pray with Pope Francis for a while. 

We visited the church housing the pillar of the scourging. Standing there, you are reminded that the Passion was not abstract. It was physical, brutal, real.

Mass back at the Irish College, then a three hour dinner...long, joyful, unhurried. There is something human and healthy about that rhythm.

We ended at the Trevi Fountain. Beautiful, yes, and full of life. People laughing, talking, present.

The Church is not only found in basilicas. It lives in people.

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