The closest I ever got to the Pope was when I took the tour with the Dutch Nuns through the Vatican Gardens & Vatican City, wandering through the Vatican, the Vatican Library & Sistine Chapel while in Roma back in 1976 was definitely a most inspiring experience.

I was able to spend 5 weeks just wandering around Roma, so wandered several times through those places because you can't absorbe it in just one visit. The beauty is beyond description.

Never did see "Holiness" when I was there, but saw the window he addressed the people from. Very fascinating to see it in real life.

Debbie