Today we went to the Pope's church - San Giovanni, or the Church of St. John - actually two St. Johns - the Baptist and the Evangelist. As the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope), this church is the highest church in all of Catholicism. The church was was dedicated in 324 and when Pope Sylvester I put the papal throne in the church it became the basilica of the Bishop of Rome. The Pope is the only one who can lead mass from the main alter. The modern church was built after fires in the 1300s destroyed the old church. It is a magnificent church - can even say that after seeing St. Peter's.
The church is just inside the Gate of San Giovanni in the ancient wall around Rome. This section of the old wall was better preserved than most we have seen. It was very impressive.
Tomorrow we go to the Papal Audience in St. Peter's Square to see Pope Francis. Then home to pack and say arrivederci to Roma and start the LONG trek home on Thursday.
Enjoy the pics.
Posted with Blogsy
No comments:
Post a Comment