Sometimes you are in the right place at the right time. For Mr. V and I that place was St. Peter’s Square in Rome on April 19, 2005. The event was the election of Pope Benedict XVI.
But let me start at the beginning…
We chose Italy for our honeymoon–romantic, great food and incredible sightseeing. Starting in Rome we worked our way down the Amalfi coast–Sorrento, Capri, Positano and Ravello. It was without a doubt the most magical and memorable trip I have ever taken.
Maybe it’s because I was with my shiny new husband or maybe because Italy might be my favorite place on the planet…my guess is that it was a lot of both.
We happened to be staying in Rome for several days during the conclave, which is the meeting of the cardinals who will elect the new Pope. It was incredibly exciting the evening of April 18th 2005 when we gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
We had been touring all the Vatican museums that day while the conclave was voting so there was a palpable electricity running throughout Vatican City all day.
Look at the small screen on the right in the picture above. You can see a small chimney sticking out of the tiled roof. This is where the smoke comes out to alert the outside world of the cardinals decision.
Alas, the smoke was black (you can see it coming over the top of St. Peter’s Basilica) which means no decision was made on the new Pope. The ballots are burned after each vote and the smoke color notifies the faithful of the outcome. Historically, black smoke was created by adding damp straw to the ballots. Now chemicals are added to achieve the effect.
The next day we returned from seeing Hadrian’s Villa and our hotel concierge told us to hurry to St. Peter’s as the conclave was again getting ready to signal their vote.
So Mr. V, myself and thousands of Romans made our way to the Vatican to possibly see history in the making.
The rooftops were covered with men in black. I’m not sure if they were security, priests or all of the above but seeing groups of men gathered on tile roofs gave us a good idea what was going down.
Then it happened! White smoke, bells ringing, brass bands and mayhem!
And just like that–Pope Benedict XVI stepped out onto the balcony. He was greeted with a roar of cheers, clapping and melodic Italian approval.
The new Pope blessed us all with a prayer. It didn’t matter that we couldn’t understand what he was saying or that we weren’t Catholic. It was a blessing by the Pope and we were newlyweds–we felt it was a good omen. Amen.
We Americans stood shoulder to shoulder with Italians and clapped furiously over the election of a German Pope. It was a moment. A really great moment.
As Pope Benedict XVI steps down (and gave his final address on Sunday), I feel a bit nostalgic. It would have been incredible to have been there for his last address as we were for his first. And who couldn’t use a trip to Italy?
He is the first Pope to step down since Gregory XII left the papacy in 1415 citing his age and declining strength.
Perhaps we should book our tickets now for the next conclave.
If you liked this post you may enjoy this post on Italian Gardens in Tivoli.
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I got chills when you said that the white smoke appeared announcing a pope had been named…I can only imagine what that moment was like in person! Must have been so amazing! Beautiful pictures and indeed his blessings to you have given you a blessed life, Amy!
I too feel a little nostalgic about his departure but commend his honor and integrity for making what I know had to have been a very weighty decision.
Thank you for the kind words Tina…indeed I live a blessed life! And I too commend his decision to step down. Hope your week is great —and that we all appreciate and honor our blessed lives…Hugs!
Wow! What a great experience that must have been! I fell in love with Italy myself. The views, cappucino, and the food. Enjoyed this post. It brought back some great memories! Thank you.
Thanks Cristina! I could sure go for one of those pizzas!
Amy,
What an incredible story, honeymoon and memory! With all that is happening now at the Vatican, I feel like I’ve gotten an inside view and will think of you when they name the new Pope!
Happy day!
xoxo Elizabeth
Thanks for stopping by Elizabeth!
xo
What an incredibly cool experience!! I bet the atmosphere was truly electric! I think a return trip is most definitely in order. How could they elect a pope without you? I mean, really.
xoxo,
Traci
Lol Traci! Lets go!!!
This is your most amazing blog yet– an Italian double header– you saw history made in Rome — and the gardens many consider to be the best in Italy! Maybe some day consider a book– coffee table style– “
You find me a publisher and I’ll be happy to write that book!
Thanks for the kind words.
funny how our most memorable moments are totally un-planned……smiles
you can say that again!!
It’s not too late to get a plane ticket over and write your next blog from there!! Wonderful post Amy. I loved reading every word!
Thanks Liz!
Amy,
How wonderful to have experienced this in person…on your honeymoon. Your photos are beautiful. I can imagine that the news has a very special meaning on a very personal level to you and your husband.
xo
annie
Thank you Annie! It really does have special meaning to us!
xo
What an incredible experience! I’m with Traci, you better hurry back for the next one. They need you!!!
Marianne,
It’s surprising they didn’t call me!
xo
What an awesome experience! I was also in Italy in 2005 – but in October at the time of the OJ verdict. I remember we were staying in Sorrento but had just spent the day in Capri. We were heading back to our hotel and because we were Americans, everyone felt like they had to remind us to get back to watch the verdict on TV. Definitely, a different experience than you had, but it was memorable! Oh, and I adore Italy as well!
-Shelley
Welcome Shelley! Thank you for subscribing too! That’s funny about the Italians reminding you to turn on the tv! Italians are such awesome people–like most Mediterraneans they try and connect with others. Grazi
Hard to believe that was almost eight years ago. There were so many people – I remember being packed in that square like a sardine. I love that picture of us – such a memorable, romantic trip!
I love that picture of us too honey! Thank you for taking the time to read my blog! I heart you