What I See with Peter Fiorenza: Pope Francis’ death reminded me of a special trip to Rome and Vatican City

The recent death of Pope Francis reminded me of my visit to Rome and the Vatican City almost 10 years ago. In fact, I spent a whole week in the Eternal City, and it was simply magical. I’m sure a lot of you would have your favourite city in the world. Mine is Melbourne, but Rome runs a very close second. Like Melbourne, Rome is a walking city, and although there is a difference in age of about 2000 years, both create an adventure. There is something different around every corner. What is even more interesting about Rome is that it surrounds another independent city — actually a whole other country. Vatican City is the smallest country in the world. And when in Rome, you have to, I believe, visit the home of the Roman Catholic Church. I was joined by a family member when we decided to take a guided tour, and it was something special. Being the middle of November, the crowds were fewer and we were able to join a small intimate group. As me made our way to St Peter’s Basilica, I found myself checking out the stone walls at the base of the Papal Palace. I was sure I spied the crack in the wall that opened up for the Pope in the popular movie The DaVinci Code. However, our guide assured me and others in the group that this was pure fiction. Once we were overawed by the magnificence of the Basilica, it was on to the Vatican City entrance. Yes, you need a passport to enter, and your bags are checked just like at an international airport — scanning, the works. Once through, the Vatican City opens you to a world of marble corridors covered with what seems like hundreds upon hundreds of fresco paints. As we followed our guide along each corridor, I could not stop thinking of the Borgias. According to the internet, the Borgias were the most infamous family of Italy during the Renaissance period, and lived in the Vatican. They were the Popes at the time, and let’s just say they were certainly not good Christians by today’s standards. The highlight of the Vatican tour is, without exception, the Sistine Chapel. Famous artist Michelangelo spent years painting the ceiling of this chapel and it is remarkable, to say the least. As demonstrated in the recent film Conclave, this is where cardinals gather — and will gather in future weeks — to elect a new Pope. Now, visitors to this famous landmark are not allowed to take photos. Why? According to our guide, it is not to protect the fragility of the ornately painted ceiling and walls, but due to photo rights. A Japanese company owns the rights to photos, preventing any amateur snapper from taking any. Go figure. Peter Fiorenza hosts Sports Shed Saturday (9am to noon) and Fiorenza on Sunday (10am to noon) on Radio MAMA