Meagan's Moment
Italy is full of fulfilling unknown desires, from trying new delicacies to experiencing history in the making. Standing in the middle of St. Peter’s Square for a long duration of time, gives a visitor the presence of mind to contemplate all they have experienced during their stay in Italy. Thinking about whom they have met, what they have eaten, what sights they have seen, how much they have spent, and how badly their feet are aching. However, these thoughts are broken by one sight, which is followed by the loud noise of clanging bells and a roaring crowd, a single wisp of a grey smoke that quickly lightens to a bright white. The surge of the crowd, which is made up of thousands of Italians and Catholics from all over the world, overtakes each individual as it pushes forward to get as close to the balcony, of the newly appointed Pope, as possible.
Despite religious differences, I became overwhelmed by the importance of what was occurring, the rise of a new leader in one of the most powerful religions on the planet. Being in Italy during this occasion created a sense of importance in me, as I have experienced something that only a couple thousand will ever experience. Being able to have all the previous thoughts and aches wash away in that one moment makes me realize that we humans are ever changing, we never are who we were the day before. If we forget this, things will happen in our lives to remind us that change is part of our nature, we need to embrace this, just as a nation embraces a new leader.