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What's a Trip to Rome Without "A Visit to the Pope"?

June 12 2015 8:00 AM ET — via RheumReports RheumReports

Wednesday morning at 7:30 AM, tired from walking the streets of Rome the day prior and preparing for the afternoon opening conference session at EULAR 2015, and where am I? Sitting in a mass of thousands in St. Peter's Square waiting for the arrival of the Pope. I am not Catholic but felt the opportunity to be part of this outdoor church service with one of the world's religious leaders was not to be missed. 

After sitting for 2 hours in the hot sun to secure a seat, the "Pope-mobile" arrived to thousands of cheering people. The Pope's message was translated in many languages including English. His message was one of caring for and praying for the sick. He focused on exposing children to the reality that there are people living with illness and we must all come together to support them as a community. A great message for the start of the conference!!

Earlier in our trip, while in Amalfi, we sat in a duomo listening to beautiful organ music which we felt fortunate to experience. Moments later, the main doors of the church opened and the priest entered followed by a casket and a procession of mourners. We were in a funeral!! The service in St. Peter's Square in front of the basilica was much more uplifting!!!


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About the Author

Carolyn Whiskin
Carolyn Whiskin

Carolyn Whiskin, BSc. Phm is currently the director of pharmacy programs for the Charlton Centre for Specialized Treatments in Hamilton, Ontario. She also practices pharmacy at Brant Arts Dispensary in Burlington, Ontario and is the pharmacist representative to the Ontario Rheumatology Association’s Model of Care committee.

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