July 10 I didn’t visit the Caravaggios yesterday — I went to the Latin Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, where Peter’s bones are supposedly buried. If so, the hand bones, the foot bones, must be shattered by the stakes that were driven through them. When it comes to faith I’m a doubting Thomas — I’ll believe anything, but I also want proof. Coming out of the church — which overwhelmed me, made me sad — I noticed everyone on the square was looking up at a window from which a maroon banner hung. The papal apartments. After some time, the curtains parted. Pope Francis appeared. Cheers from the crowd bearing flags, messages. A sports-like atmosphere, like when Lebron steps onto the court. He began, immediately, to speak. I tried getting various translation apps to work — one produced the translation, “Ay ay ay…” I gave up, just watched. I like the Pope. If I were to meet him, I’d give him a fist bump, ask him if he’s read much Merton.
The Cerasi Chapel (July 10)
The Cerasi Chapel (July 10)
The Cerasi Chapel (July 10)
July 10 I didn’t visit the Caravaggios yesterday — I went to the Latin Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, where Peter’s bones are supposedly buried. If so, the hand bones, the foot bones, must be shattered by the stakes that were driven through them. When it comes to faith I’m a doubting Thomas — I’ll believe anything, but I also want proof. Coming out of the church — which overwhelmed me, made me sad — I noticed everyone on the square was looking up at a window from which a maroon banner hung. The papal apartments. After some time, the curtains parted. Pope Francis appeared. Cheers from the crowd bearing flags, messages. A sports-like atmosphere, like when Lebron steps onto the court. He began, immediately, to speak. I tried getting various translation apps to work — one produced the translation, “Ay ay ay…” I gave up, just watched. I like the Pope. If I were to meet him, I’d give him a fist bump, ask him if he’s read much Merton.