One of the biggest highlights of my recent trip to Rome was attending the beatification of my hero, Pope John Paul II. What made the celebration extra amazing was that I acquired a special pass that got me all the way up to the colonnade roof overlooking St. Peter’s square. The view was absolutely incredible.
Though the notable dignitaries sitting around me–ahem–highly discouraged the use of cameras, I was able to take some photos and video (and somehow survived the ire of a camera-unfriendly Swiss Guard!):