Continued from "Part 1" ... We then made our way to St. Peter's Basilica, where again, photography was actually allowed! It was a surprise, but we were so happy, and took, literally, tons of pictures.
It was really something, seeing the famous dome from the inside. There were several tombs of past Popes, and there were two embalmed bodies of prior Popes on display. One was a very short man.
We exited the Basilica into St. Peter's Square, and looked up at the balcony where the Pope addresses the masses of people.
A couple of members of the Swiss Guard were on duty.
We could also see where the black or white smoke comes from when the Cardinals are in conclave to elect the new Pope. Marta said that in the past, the black smoke was made by burning wet leaves and other materials, but now there is simply a black button and a white button that releases the proper color of smoke.
We could look across the square and see the Papal residence. He was currently at his summer residence, Castile Gandolfo in the Roman Hills, as it was too hot for him in Rome. Marta said the Popes travel by helicopter now, for safety.
After leaving St. Peter's Square, we walked to a nearby cafe for lunch. Bryan had tortellini, and I had gnocchi and sausage. It felt so good to sit down in AC, it was nearly 100 degrees outside!
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