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April 6, 2005 • Volume 13 Number 15

Jennifer Theiss '06

BC junior: 'The scene was surreal'

Student studying abroad reports on events in the Vatican this week

Jennifer Theiss '06 was at the Vatican on Saturday April 2 when Pope John Paul died and she attended the public viewing on Monday night, April 4. In an interview with the Boston College Chronicle Theiss describes "an atmosphere of mourning, but also of energy" in Rome.

How has the atmosphere in Rome changed over the last week? Can you describe what's going on right now?

The streets of Rome are incredibly crowded, and the local buses are packed. I attended Mass at a church near my apartment on Sunday, April 3 and it was an incredibly emotional atmosphere. I felt like I was attending a funeral event because many people were crying. It is obvious that the Pope had a special relationship with the people of Rome.

What was the scene in the Vatican on Saturday?

My aunt and uncle were visiting Rome last week, so I went out to dinner with them on Saturday night. When I got out of the restaurant, my mom had called me and told me that the Pope passed away. So, immediately we walked to the Vatican. At that point, it was around 11 p.m. [the pope passed away at 9:37 p.m.]. As we entered St. Peter's Square ‚ there were tons of people flowing in and out. A cardinal was giving a prayer service on the steps of the Basilica. There were people with their heads bowed, families holding hands, and many people crying. There was a group of nuns near me who were praying and saying the rosary. There was a sense of deep respect that transcended St. Peter's Square.

How would you describe the reaction at the Vatican when the death was announced?

I was out to dinner when the death of the Pope was announced. But, when I found out I knew I had to go to the Vatican to pay my respect and to witness this event. The scene was surreal.

How would you describe what you saw when you went to view the Pope lying in state?

My friends and I went to the Vatican at 11:30 p.m. on Monday night to view the Pope. We waited in a long line that wound around the walls of the Vatican. People of all ages were present, from senior citizens to young children on their parentís shoulders. The Vatican police were handing out water bottles, so that people didnít get dehydrated. Around 1 p.m. we turned the corner of the street leading up to the Vatican. The Basilica looked magnificent. It was all lit up and created a powerful atmosphere. A Vatican leader stated a short prayer about every 30 minutes and then everyone would start clapping. We passed the obelisk in the center of the square at 2:30 a.m. There were candles and notes of prayer all over the obelisk. Then, the crowd progressed straight through the massive doors of the Basilica. Immediately, everyone became silent and the expressions on peopleís faces changed. The Pope surely had a connection with his followers and it was evident at this moment. I am glad I had the opportunity to view the Pope and to pay my respects, it was just really sad to see him in that condition. Following the viewing, people congregated on either side of the church and were kneeling and praying. I think the Vatican did a terrific job of creating a welcoming atmosphere, so that devoutly religious people could find comfort in seeing the Pope for the last time. They allowed people to stay in the Vatican and spend time to send their last regards.

Are you with others from BC? Are you with other American college students? How would you describe their reaction?

There are about 20 BC students who are studying abroad at John Cabot University in Rome. We are all sharing similar emotions. Unfortunately, our apartments are not furnished with televisions or Internet access, so we are really living this event through watching the emotions of the Italians that we see on the street and reading the newspaper. Posters of the Pope were put up around the city and our school had a prayer service for the Pope on Wednesday.

Have you talked to many pilgrims who have come to the Vatican since the death? Where were they from? What did you learn from them?

We met a father and son on Monday night who traveled from Naples, Italy to view the Pope. They said that the train station was extremely crowded. They wanted to go to the first night of the viewing because they thought it would be the least crowded. I also saw many people that were holding the Polish flag, but I didnít have the opportunity to talk to them. When we left the Basilica at 3 a.m., we saw people camping out on the street with sleeping bags.

What is the buzz on the streets and in the coffee shops? What are people talking about - the late pope, the funeral, the coming conclave?

Everyone I see on the street has a newspaper about the events at the Vatican. The first word out of everyone's mouth at school is ‚ "Have you gone to see the Pope yet?" It is an atmosphere of mourning, but also of energy, in which people are anxious to praise the incredible life that the Pope led.

Theiss, from Mendham, New Jersey, is enrolled in the Carroll School of Management and studying at John Cabot Univeristy in Rome this semester. •