We were in Vatican in time for Pope John Paul II’s beatification last May 1. Though we were there as early as 6am, we were not able to get inside St. Peter’s Square anymore since the square and its vicinity were apparently jampacked already by 3am!
An estimated 1.5M people from all over the world came to Rome to attend the beatification. We just stayed in one of the plazas just outside the Vatican Museum where a big screen was set up for the telecast. And even just there in the plaza, it was so jampacked that there’s barely room to move! When I had to go to the toilet, I wasn’t able to go back anymore to the spot where our tour mates were because it was just impossible to pass through.
Check out how crowded it was -
People climbed trees, lamp posts and even on top of the portalets just to get a good view of the live telecast.
People of all colors and ages were there. And even if we spoke different languages, it was just amazing how united everyone was that day.
During the day, we heard from someone that the remains of Blessed JP2 will be available for public viewing in the next 24 hrs or so, so the next day, we took a chance to go to St. Peter’s Square.
After a mass officiated by the Pope’s secretary, a thick crowd lined up to view his remains and we joined the queue.
It took us 3 hours to get inside St Peter's Basilica but it was all worth the wait.
BTW, here’s a cute photo of Blessed JP2 as a toddler. I saw it in one of the exhibits around Rome. So cute. :)
There are so many things to see at the Vatican Museum and you need to spend a few days if you really want to see each and every detail. But when you’re in a group tour, you normally spend only 3 to 4 hours inside the museum and what you’ll see really depends on what the tour guide has chosen to highlight.
This is my second time to visit the Vatican and Sistine Chapel but I barely remember the details. Tsk..tsk... But I'm thinking maybe it's not really because I am forgetful but rather maybe our tour guide from 4 years ago highlighted different things from what our tour guide highlighted this time. Excuses.. Haha…
Anyway, sharing with you a few photos – just a few because I couldn’t remember anymore the descriptions of most of the photos I took. Haha...
Overlooking the Vatican Museum grounds
At the center is probably the only modern piece of artwork in the grounds, the tour guide shared. I wasn’t able to catch though what its significance or who made it. Bad listener. Sorry…
Inside the Vatican Museum grounds
Vatican Museum dome
Emperor Nero's tub
The tour guide pointed to this unique statue with glass eyes. Looks a bit creepy to me. It might just suddenly blink. Haha…
Spotted this head sculpture with an interesting facial expression in one of the section entrances.
St Helena's sarcophagus
View from one of the windows
Some random shots inside the Vatican Museum -
The corridor leading to the Sistine Chapel is the last area where you can take photos. Picture-taking isn’t allowed inside the Sistine Chapel. Breathtaking. I don't know how many wows I exclaimed. And my head was tilted the entire time I was walking - good thing I didn't trip! Haha...
Beautiful spiral staircase at the exit of the Vatican Museum.
View of the dome of the spiral staircase from the ground floor. I don’t remember seeing this view during my first visit 4 yrs ago. Good thing I saw some people taking snapshots which made me look up. Such a beautiful view to end the tour. :)
It’s my second time to visit Rome and though my last visit was only 4 years ago, I barely remember what I saw inside the St. Peter’s Basilica except for the Pieta, the dome and the main altar. See, sometimes it pays to be forgetful because you see things with fresh eyes every time. Wahaha…
Anyway, normally the queue to St Peter’s Basilica is long. We were there a day before Blessed JP2’s beatification so the lines were even longer. Check this out…
Here are some photos of the Swiss Papal Guards guarding main entrances of St. Peter’s Basilica. Swiss guards have been providing security to the Pope in the last 500 years.
Below is St Peter's Basilica's Jubilee door - a holy door and one of the main entrances of the St Peter's Basilica which is usually opened by the holy Pope every 25 years.
The moment you enter the basilica, this is the sight that will behold you - the sun’s rays passing through the dome. Exactly how I remembered if from my last visit.
The dome of St Peter's Basilica -
St. Peter’s Basilica has various chapels inside. Here’s another beautiful dome of one of the chapels inside the basilica.
The Pieta is probably the most photographed inside the Basilica. Sculpted by Michelangelo before age 30.
If Pieta is probably the most photographed, St Peter’s is definitely the most touched! With all the pilgrims touching or kissing his feet over the centuries, his toes have worn out - considering this is a bronze statue!
Since it was JP2's beatification, there were several press people at the Basilica. Here's one who was probably explaining the custom of touching St. Peter's feet.
This is the main altar where the Pope celebrates mass inside the Basilica -
There are 2 Blessed Popes whose incorrupt bodies are housed at the St.Peter’s Basilica. Here’s that of Blessed Pope Innocent XI (1611-1689). More than 300 years old!
And Blessed Pope John XXIII (1881-1963), the pope who was responsible for the Second Vatican Council.
The guide said that although the bodies were incorrupt, sometimes mold grows that’s why wax is also applied. But imagine, just mold?! Holy Popes!
Coat of arms of Pope JP2.
As we were exiting the basilica, spotted this kid dipping his hand into the holy water vessel. Heartwarming sight…
View of St Peter's Square as we were exiting the Basilica -
When we got out of the Basilica, preparation for JP2’s beatification were in full swing at St Peter’s Square. Sea of chairs were already set up.
And the media who will cover Blessed JP2's beatification were busy testing equipment.
The next time I visit St. Peter’s Basilica, for sure, I’m going to see things with fresh eyes again. Haha... :)
