Papacy now and before.

The movie presents my favourite scene from the Under the Roman Sky (it. Sotto il cielo di Roma). It shows pope Pius XII who arrived at bombed Roman district San Lorenzo. I am enchanted about the people's attitude. They trustfully came over to the Holy Father, because He truly was their father. The spiritual father, with whom they were bound with a very strong relationship. And the pope was fully aware of it. This is why despite of all dangers connected with leaving the Vatican (bombardment took place on 19 July 1943, so it was during the Nazi occupation) He went to comfort the residents and remind them that the pope is with them and needs them as much as they need him.

And today... Today the pope is kind of absent in Rome. I have been there and I know what I write. One can feel spiritual emptiness, indifference on the streets. Churches, so old and beautiful, which once used to be a subject of admiration and contemplation have become deserted. Even the Archbasilica on the Lateran Hill seems to be forgotten, both by tourists and pilgrims. Rome is no longer a holy city; now it is laicized as the most of the European capital cities. It is dismal, but true picture of the Eternal City. One question remains: if a catastrophe occured and an inconspicious, smiled man in white robes appeared, would people be rejoiced at his presence or would they say: this is our business, what are you doing here?