Early Sunday morning, a group of us from the hostel returned to Piazza San Pietro, to see the Pontiff. Camping on the cobbles, we staked out a good place. Before long the entire piazza filled to the gills with pilgrims of all nationalities, a babble of disparate languages buzzing all around us.

Waving banners, flags and signs, the scene had all the trappings of a rock concert, with extra nuns.

Waiting somewhat impatiently, we watched as a window was opened and a burgundy rug was unfurled from the sill. Someone set up a microphone, the noon bells of St. Peter's chimed, drapes were drawn back, and finally the Pope appeared.

The excited crowd cheered a resounding welcome, and the Pope's voice rang out in amplified splendor, ringing off the faces of buildings and columns.

Though I'm not Catholic, and couldn't understand what he was saying, still it was thrilling just to be there.

Next: Chestnuts Roasting