Europe Day 24: Mosh Pit for the Pope

Happy Easter everyone!

My untraditional Easter began this morning with my alarm reminding me to wake up at 4:45am.  5:36 found me downstairs with the rest of my class, a little late but still waiting for others.  5:45 I was walking with my group to the Vatican.

We were lucky enough to arrive at the bus stop the same time as the bus.  Upon arriving outside the Vatican, we joined another cluster of early birds in the long wait to get in.  The line stretched out far behind us-everyone eating breakfasts and huddled in their hoods and under cheerful umbrellas to avoid the rain.

7:20 am. A group of Germans squish up to the front of the line. The people behind us get into a fight with them.  "Get in the back of the line!  Some of us have been waiting for hours!" The Germans didn't seem to care too much.  They pointed out how the line wouldn't really matter at all in about ten minutes, so they might as well stay put.  I didn't get to follow the rest of the argument as some nuns were pressing forward, trying to move up in line. Kayla and I roused our group to fill in the gaps as we continued to wait.

At 7:30, our single, solid line was dissolved into many smaller lines in front of the metal detectors and bag scanners.  I appreciate this-I did not want anyone bringing a gun into St. Peter's square during Easter.  But it was so crazy!  Just moving the the line from one place to the next; people were pushing, jumping over things, squeezing and squashing as much as they could, jockeying for a place in front.  I was utterly squished between my people in front and people I did not know behind. I could hardly even shift my weight on my feet- it was so crazy!

One hour later, they opened the next set of gates, sending us through the metal detectors.  This is where things turned into a Christian Mosh Pit.  Everybody went wild!  Pushing and shoving!  An elderly trio stood next to us in line, so Liz, Lauren, Laura, Kayla, and I braced ourselves so they could get through.  They looked so frail, we did not want them to be squashed!  Even after they passed us, I pushed against the person behind me with my knees locked, taking measured steps forward.  Our line took especially long because some Nuns from the next line over had jumped over to our side. 

As soon as I finally got through the metal detector, I took off running towards the front row seats.  I couldn't help but laugh as people, clergy men, nuns, women in fancy hats, young people, old people, every body raced to get a good seat.  Leaping over chairs, throwing purses and scarves around to save seats; things were going everywhere!  A few girls from my class had managed to carve out two rows for us, so Kayla and I joined them in protecting our spot. I had to chase away a clergy man.  Fortunately, he didn't put up too much of a fight.

When we were finally settled we had yet another long wait ahead of us.  I tried very hard to nap a little, but it was too cold at that point.  The sun came out a little later, and it turned into a spectacular day.

The Pope arrived in his Popemobile.  I did not know there was such a thing until today.  It is an all white car that looked like a cross between a hummer and a truck, with railings and cushions in the truck bed.  The Pope stood in the back and waved at everyone.  His adoring audience waved back and clapped as he was driven around the edge of the crowd and up the stairs to the porch near his seat.  Where, at 10:20, he began the service.

I'm sure it was wonderful, heart warming, and even inspiring.  But it was all in latin.  I do not speak latin.  I had no idea what was going on almost the entire time.  The Pope did speak quite a bit, and at the end he said "Happy Easter" or loudly declared "Christ is Risen" in a plethora of langauges.  That part was pretty cool!  I loved that he, the head of the Catholic church, united Catholic churches across the world in a single address.  I think I like this Pope guy.

During Communion, because there were thousands of people there, they sent out clergy men armed with the sacraments and a body guard. The body guard held a white and yellow striped umbrellow over the clergy man's head so that everyone could see him.  Those poor priests.  They scooped out bread, said their line, and stuck it in the mouths of so many people!  I cannot say that I'd enjoy that job.

We walked back to the hotel after the service.  A lunch of nutella and jelly sandwhiches was followed by a few episodes of Lost.  Frankly, I was-and still am-exhausted.  It was an especially long morning.  We ate two kinds of chocolate, ritz crackers with nutella, potatoe chips, and an apple.  It was a fantastic way to spend the afternoon!

6:30 we finally roused ourselves for dinner.  Almost our entire class went to the same restaurant.  Most places are closed on Easter, so our wonderful Professor arranged for us all to eat there.  I had pesto.  It was delicious.

Upon returning to the hotel, I got to skype my family!  It was such a blessing to get to see them for a bit! Sadly, the internet here is horrible so we kept getting interrupted.  After awhile, we couldn't really talk very much, but I so appreciated getting to see their faces! I miss my family, especially during Easter-a holiday we traditionally spend together, hunting plastic eggs and eating delicious food together.  I intentionally waited until Easter to talk with them, so that I could see my Parents, three sisters, brother-in-law, Grandma, Grandpa, Great Grandma, Aunt, Uncle, and three little cousins.  What I wouldn't give to hop back across the ocean for the day and enjoy Easter with them!

Now it is late.  I have been awake for 18 hours.  I am going to sleep now.  I hope you have (had) a spectacular Easter! 

Thank you Jesus for saving my soul!