The Pope`s last journey (2005)

Vatican City, April 7th 2005

Dear friends,

All streets lead to Rome, this "saying" has never been so true as today as thousands of pilgrims have invaded Vatican city. Today Thursday, I am writing in-direct from Via Della Conciliation, the road leading the St-Peter`s Basilica to the Pope`s very last trip.

Knowing how long pilgrims had waited up to 24 hours for some and tales of 36 hours have been heard) to pay their respects to John Paul II, I arrived early Tuesday morning in Vatican city and I found myself surrounded by thousands and thousands of lay people, nones, clergy, families with babies and enthusiastic youth groups who had also reached the Vatican. All these silent pilgrims had been queuing in an orderly fashion (quite contrary to the Italians which is extraordinary!!!)

I stopped by my ex-office at the Canadian Embassy to the Holy See, which is conveniently located right on the... via Della Conciliation, some 200 meters from St Peter's square (as some of you may remember, I worked for the Canadian World Youth Day which took place in Toronto in July 2002 and I had the chance to work for the Pope and meet him).

A ex-colleague of mine suggested we go and pay our respects to the Pontiff. Believe it or not, we reached the Basilica through the back door (thanks to our passes) and in less than minutes I was standing in front of the world`s most famous pilgrim. It was unreal and magic; once it was the Italian policeman and another time it was the Swiss Gard's were opening the gates in front of us as we were swiftly proceeding. I could not contain my joy and my surprise...

Imagine the solemnity of the moment. I was suddenly in front of him. The crowd was silently queuing to see the Pope - these people were crying, praying and looking at him in awe. For so many, it was the first time "to see him". You could see the grief on their faces. As if the entire world was mourning a hero - and so it was...

I was moved and tears came to my eyes... I noticed his shoes, the one of a Peace pilgrim who had traveled throughout the world... As you may know, as tradition has it, Pope can not be embalmed so he looked different.

A moment like this in a life time is to be cherished. You may say that I am a bit morbid but its not the case as his death was a delivrance since he had been suffering in silence for so many years.

While I was looking at him, I thanked him for the intense moments I had lived and witnessed during the year preparatory to the World Youth Day and for his ecumenical work around the world. And also, for the impact he has had on my life. I remembered as a kid when JPI suddenly died few months after his nomination and suddenly, there weas this new Pope, young, athletic and

When we came out of the Basilica, I could see the gigantic line up (up to 2 million persons yesterday) that had grown while we were inside. I had brought some candles and I light them up near by one of the pillars on the famous Via Della Conciliation.
These candles I lighted where for my family, my future daughter I will adopt from China, for my friends and colleagues wherever they may be and I thank the pontif for his tireless campaign for Peace. I sincerely hope that my little prayer reaches you...

Last night, Wednesday, the news said that the Vatican had been barred to all pilgrims. However, I still decided to come and try my luck as a friend of mine came expressly from Geneva. As an entrance pass, I decided to use my ex_Embassy business card to let us in, and it worked, thank God.

Hence, since we arrived at 7h00 this morning, my friend has been lining up to see the pontiff's body. I stayed with him for a few hours, lining up and got the chills... It was windy and damp. But, the Civil protection officers distributed hot chocolate and during the night, pilgrims were even given blankets... Not bad for an improvised pilgrim bed and breakfast.

I will stay here tonight and rest in the stairs of the Embassy waiting for St_Peter's square to be opened to the pilgrims in view of tomorrow's mass at 10h00. It would be crazy for me to leave my golden spot!!! Not all pilgrims will be able to attend the Mass on the Piazza has it can only hold so many people. Numbers are usually 300 000 but this time, they may cramp more people. Huge screens are being set up throughout the city.

Poles have invaded the Vatican. There are hundreds of these red and white banners reminding me of the Polish pilgrimage I have done in Poland back in 1984 when Solidarity was in full swing...

Later....

I have now just returned from the Vatican walls, all the way up to the entrance door of the Pope's private apartment. Imagine that the Embassy's driver, my ex_colleague invited me to join in (he picked up the precious yellow tickets which will allow our Prime Minister and his entourage - five altogether - to assist to the Mass.)

Oh, it was so wonderful to wisk through all the barricades and be saluted by all these Swiss Guards. What a great feeling... There is a fervent fever running around. Its beautiful and I am glad to share this precious moment with you.

Thinking of you in these spiritual moments.

Marie-France