In St. Peter's Square...

A new pope was elected yesterday.  I have been avidly listening to all of the news about this.  I am excited that they selected a pope from the Americas.

I know what you're thinking already.  No, I'm not Catholic but he is the leader of 1.2 billion followers.  His is a position that has influenced the world for millennium.

Oh, and because of my dad, I've always been interested in Catholicism.  There wasn't a vacation that we didn't take in a mass at a church, just for the experience and to see the beautiful and diverse buildings. There is no denying the huge impact their faith has had on the world.

I remember when Pope Benedict was elected.  I happened to be living in DC at the time and was watching then as the black smoke rose above St. Peters Basilica. 

There was a time that I was in that square.  I looked at the window where the announcement was made and craned my neck to see the paintings that looked down on the Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel.  Mom, Loni and I were having a Roman Holiday and it was one of those surreal experiences.  There are moments in my life that I never thought I would have the opportunity to experience.  It's like that moment when you are looking into the Oval Office or seeing Ephesus, it's a once in a lifetime deal.

Me in Saint Peter's Square

In ruins in ancient Rome

For forever, I had wanted to go to Europe and especially Vatican City.  I wanted to see the places and to be there.  My parents always valued travel, for this I am truly grateful.  They thought it was an important part of our development to see new places and I can say that my perspective on the world and on myself has been very deeply impacted by travel.  In my little family now, we have continued this tradition of seeing new places.  And I only hope that it will impact Leo as deeply as it did me.