The author shares their experience in St. Peter's Square after Pope Francis's passing, having just been assigned to become the Rome bureau chief. They describe a spontaneous and overwhelming desire to join the line to pay their respects, noting the diverse crowd composed of both locals and tourists. The atmosphere was respectful and orderly, despite some disorganization, as they awaited to see the late pope's coffin. This moment illustrates the profound connection people felt to Francis, highlighting the communal experience of mourning and remembrance.
I felt an undeniable pull to stay. It was a holiday in Italy and many locals stood to wait along with thousands of tourists and pilgrims.
Despite the heavy police presence, the order was loose, with some people weaving in and out and passing ahead, as if on a congested freeway on a weekend.
Collection
[
|
...
]