Rome, Page 3 ..
Monday morning, we took a cab to St. Peter's.
It stands in Vatican City, not Rome, and is the world's largest church, except for one recently completed on the Ivory Coast. We're always startled by the sheer size of the square .. it holds 350,000 people.
The obelisk in the square was brought from Egypt, and stood in Nero's Circus, where St. Peter was crucified.
The Swiss Guards in their colorful 15th century uniforms are the Pope's personal bodyguards and travel with him, wherever he goes. There are only 100 of them, chosen for their loyalty and dedication. They're all skilled in the use of the 15th century pikes, with which they are all armed. Presumably, they are qualified as well in the use of weapons of a somewhat more recent vintage.
Just inside the church, to your immediate right is Michelangelo's breathtaking Pieta, the only work he ever signed. It is an incomparable study in love and sorrow.
The faithful seek blessings by touching the foot of the statue of St. Peter by de Cambio. So many millions have done so that the foot is nearly worn away.
The dome at St. Peter's was designed by Michelangelo, after studying the dome of the Parthenon.