I have so many pictures and places to share, but I’m a bit tired tonight, after walking another 13 + miles. So this post will be short.

First, let’s start out with last night’s supper. Both Nick and I had Gnocchi, Roman Style. I’ve never seen anything like this. Gnocchi are known as belly sinkers. I don’t know what these can be called! They were like 9 little hockey pucks, but very good.

I started out this morning at St. John the Lateran. This is the Cathedral of the Bishop of Rome. No, St. Peter’s is not the Holy Father’s Cathedral. Over the door to the sacristy is the tomb of Pope Leo XIII. We often think of the tombs of Popes as being in the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica. Originally, Pope Leo XIII was buried in St. Peter’s. However, it was planned to move his body to St. John the Lateran. Work was begun on his tomb, along with other projects that had to be completed in the Basilica.

The Vatican decided to move his body secretly, even without the aid of Italian police or troops. This was due to the difficulties faced with the transfer of the body of Pius IX, whose casket was almost thrown into the Tiber by agitators.

We can thank Pope Leo XIII for his famous prayer against spiritual enemies.

“St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.”