Excursion to Vatican City

I must be honest, and I know I may get surprising feedback from this, but in the four months that I have been in Rome, this is the first time that I have been inside the Vatican Museum, and I will have the chance to enter St. Peter’s Basilica.

I live just a five minute walk away from the Vatican, and I can finally say that I have time to go inside it. Amidst all the busyness that school brings, it has been hard to see all the usual and famous locations around Rome. I would walk by amazing monuments and sights like the Vatican on a daily basis, but I haven’t had the chance to see much of it on the inside.

Today when I entered the Vatican Museum, I didn’t realize how big it really was until I entered it. It was huge. Lots of art, and extravagant things that the Catholic Church has preserved for several hundred years now. The place reminded me of the Louvre in Paris. So huge, overwhelming, and it had lots of art. What was so intriguing, I got to see the Sistine Chapel. The Sistine Chapel was definitely awe inspiring because I got the opportunity to really cherish and savor the art and sculptures of Michelangelo. Michelangelo being my favorite, really made me really excited to see many of his famous works. I had the chance to see his sculptures such as the famous Pieta in St. Peter’s Basilica, and the art of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. I felt like the ceiling tells a beautiful biblical story which intrigues the human person from within. That is what happened to me. It’s a definitely must see for those visiting Rome. You cannot leave Rome without seeing the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum.

After walking around the museum observing its wonderful art and exhibits, I exited the museum and headed into the Vatican State. The Vatican State, being the smallest nation in the world was amazing to see. I had the chance to walk from the museum and into the Basilica. The Basilica of St. Peter, being the largest Catholic Church in the world, really leaves a person in awe. It’s huge, it’s vast, and it has one of the most beautiful objects of art in the world. I really enjoyed seeing the Swiss Guards and their fancy uniforms. Makes me want to own one myself…maybe for Halloween, I can dress like that. Hahaha. The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Cupola, is amazingly huge. I heard you can fit the Statue of Liberty or the Space Shuttle twice in there. It is that huge… The view of Rome from up top is spectacular. One of the best views you will ever see if from the cupola of St. Peter’s.

In addition to the cupola, I had the opportunity to see the sacred papal tombs and the bones of St. Peter himself. The papal tombs were really an emotional sight for me because I have always wanted to see the bones of St. Peter, and the tomb of Pope John Paul II. Pope John Paul II has always been a role model for me ever since I was really young. My dream as a young guy was to visit Rome and visit Pope John Paul II when he was alive. It was not the best time in my life when I heard he passed away. Ever since JPII’s passing, I made it a goal to come to Rome one day to pay homage to his tomb, and being that I was there pushed me to the point where tears were rolling down my face. The only Pope I ever knew as a young guy was JPII, and his passion for youth of the world is what made me admire him so much. Being that I couldn’t see him in human form as a young teenager really was a bummer, but being there paying homage really brought peace to my heart.

Vatican City is a must see for those that visit Rome. The basilica, the Vatican Museum, and St. Peter’s Square are genuinely one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The art, the history, the wonder…it leaves you in awe and it has an affect that makes you want to come back for more. Being that it is one of the holiest places on earth, makes you feel one with God due to its sacred environment. I am looking forward to Easter Sunday because I will be heading to the Vatican for mass. I know it is a time I will never forget, and I am really excited for what will occur. I hope I can get close so I can see Pope Benedict XVI.