A glimpse of the Pope

Today is the final day of Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Britain. I was eager to catch a glimpse of him, so early this morning I drove to the Apostolic Nunciature, Wimbledon, where he was staying. He was due to leave the embassy of the Holy See at 8am and head to Birmingham for the final leg of his tour.

Apostolic Nunciature, Wimbledon

There was a moderate crowd of people already there when I arrived, waiting patiently. More people came as time passed. I saw the faces of people from many different parts of the world, and there wasn't a single protestor in sight - just the Catholic faithful.

Catholic faithful waiting to see the Pope

A small group of young ladies occasionally sang “We love you Benedict, we do. We love you Benedict, we do,” and “We love you Papa, we do. We love you Papa, we do.” Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh - Cardinal Keith O’Brien - and Archbishop of Westminster - Vincent Nichols - as well as a few other bishops arrived by car. Archbishop Vincent Nichols, head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, was kind enough to say hello.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols, head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales

At 8.17am, slightly behind schedule, Pope Benedict finally emerged to the delight of the crowd. The Pope was dressed in his familiar white cassock, white zucchetto and red shoes. He raised his hands and greeted the faithful. There was a real buzz in the crowd who enthusiastically cheered, waved and sang even more.

Pope waving to people from his car

A couple of minutes later the Pope got into his car and was whisked away to Wimbledon Park, where he was due to travel by helicopter to Birmingham for the final leg of his tour. It's not often I get an opportunity to see the head of my church, so I was delighted. So were the other people who came to see him too.