Rome in constant motion as world mourns

From our archives: This article appeared in The Michigan Catholic on April 15, 2005.

It’s an image that continues to continue: a river, not unlike the Tiber or the Detroit, gently moving forward, always replenishing those along its path. During this time of papal transition, Rome has been in constant motion. Some of it spontaneous, some of it prompted by centuries-old traditions and protocols. Some of it as quick as rapids, some of it slow and deliberate, with barely a current.

One of the more remarkable movements involved the millions upon millions of pilgrims who packed the streets around the Vatican. Taking small steps forward, they invested hours— in some cases, days— as they moved ever so respectfully into St. Peter’s Basilica. Like a stream navigating a bend, they slowed down as they approached the body of Pope John Paul II. They genuflected or made the sign of the cross. They threw a kiss or shed a tear. They took pictures, many of them with cell phone cameras. But they never stopped. The flow of humanity moved on, making room for those behind them. All the while, church bells peeled like water lapping the river’s edge.



On the Via della Conciliazione, lines of police, city workers, and volunteers, all of them in bright and different colored uniforms, moved in a hurry from one post to the next. In some locations, they worked security; in others, they distributed free water bottles. But none of them stood still, at least, not for long. Constant movement. A civic choreography unlike anything this city— or the world— has ever seen.

Before the funeral began, the steps of St. Peter’s witnessed an amazing— and colorful— confluence of diplomats from around the world… religious leaders of many faiths… invited guests from near and far. After the solemn entry of the simple wooden casket, two lines of cardinals, dressed in bright red vestments, processed out of the Basilica church to take their positions.

Even the wind got into the act. No moment was more remarkable— or symbolic— than the reading of John 21: 15-19. During the Liturgy of the Word, a strong gust happened upon the open Book of Gospels on the casket. As the reading neared conclusion, the pages of the book began to turn rapidly and progress forward. The story of Simon Peter concluded as the book was closed by the wind and elements. One chapter closes, another begins. The legacy of Karol Jósef Wojtyla was now a forever tributary in the Gospel of Life. What flowed forth this day, by nature and spirit, would live on to inspire hearts and minds everywhere.

A philosopher is said to have said you can never step in the same river twice. As Rome prepares for the next wave and our new pope, we take nourishment and hope from the waters that have given us life these past 26 years. In the months and years to come, our course may change, but our source and destination will not. No one understood that better, or believed it stronger, than John Paul II.

Ned McGrath is director of communications for the Archdiocese of Detroit. He writes from Rome.