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Pope Benedict Surprises Newport Students on Spring Break Tour of Rome

Seeing The Holy See a Highlight of Weeklong Tour of Italy

October 12, 2011

Mahi Mahi takes a self-portrait with the video screen showing the Pope speaking in the background at St. Peter's Square in Rome.

The tour brochure indicated they would see Michelangelo's "David" and Russell Crowe's Colosseum, but never was an audience with the Pope mentioned as a feature on their weeklong visit to Italy.

But, as the contingent of 53 Newport College students, faculty, staff and other community members entered St. Peter’s Square March 14, they were greeted by a crowd’s roar and the appearance of the white robed Bishop of Rome, Pope Benedict XVI.

"As he walked out, the place went nuts," said Vinton Prince, professor of history, who led the spring break tour group. "I’m a Philadelphia Quaker, but it was cool to see the Pope. It was very special. The Catholic students were beside themselves and even the Protestants were impressed."

Adam Frantz, a Roman Catholic, was perplexed the site guide hurried them through the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, as the WC senior wished to take his time viewing the artifacts and artwork he’s heard about all his life.

"Little did I know that I was about to walk into St. Peter’s Square and see the Pope," he said, noting he suspects the guide thought the likelihood was high that The Holy Father to 1 billion Catholics might appear at the Vatican’s weekly Wednesday afternoon worship service.

"It was deeply moving to say the least — I didn’t know that going on this trip would connect me deeper to my faith," Frantz added, noting he also received Communion from a Bishop conducting a service at St. Paul’s Basilica.

"It was awesome. I was privileged," he said. "We touched the heart of Catholicism."

Another Catholic student, junior Matthew Hoenie, called being a part of a blessing — albeit en masse — from a Pope a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience.

"As a Catholic, it’s a big deal to be blessed by the Pope — on Earth, he’s the closest person to God," he said. "It was really exciting. We just walked into St. Peter’s Square and surprise, surprise, the Pope’s there!"

Prince said the video screens and excellent sound system accommodated the experience, as
"There were people from all around the world there," he said. "Other than the Queen of England, who’s left as far as public officials that transcend one country? It was a special moment."

Prince’s eight-day tour featured Rome, Florence and Assisi. While exploring Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, they visited such highlights as Michelangelo’s "David" at the Accademia Museum, Giotto’s Bell Tower, Piazza del Duomo and Ghiberti’s "Gates of Paradise."

In Rome, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and famed Spanish Steps were on the slate, as well as a visit to Vatican City to experience St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel.

Stephen Spencer, associate professor of English and interim associate dean for academic affairs, led three dozen students and other community members on a concurrent spring break trip to Italy.

His 10-day itinerary, dubbed "The Best of Italy," also took in Venice and Pisa. However, there were no papal sightings.