I'm watching the live webcast of Pope Benedict in Edinburgh – first, of his speech at Holyroodhouse in reply to Her Majesty; and second, right now, of his motorcade through the streets of the city.
I am amazed – in the eight months since I was in Edinburgh, the place has turned from monochromatic grey, black and white to a delightful palette of stone and slate against living green! Honestly, as an Australian unused to such extreme seasonal changes, Edinburgh seems to have returned to life again after a fell and most drear winter. It was odd to see the Popemobile (and occupant) driving along the self-same main roads whose footpaths I walked with such trepidation, snow-covered as they were, and to see the same footpaths filled with cheering onlookers, with, not snowcovered, but verdant parks behind them.
What a blessing for Scotland and the Scots indeed.
100,000 people turned out to see the Pope, report Scottish police (are you there, Mark?) – and only sixty protesters. So much for the attempt of the media to whip up bigotry.
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100,000 people turned out to see the Pope, report Scottish police (are you there, Mark?) – and only sixty protesters. So much for the attempt of the media to whip up bigotry.
They say 125,000 people now, Joshua!
ReplyDeleteI didn't see the Pope in person, but even relayed by video it makes me very, very prowd to be Scottish. :D
Excellent, Mark, excellent!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, if you have time before you depart - what day do you leave? - have a look at the blog of Fr Nicholas Pearce, who's just been ordained in Melbourne:
A Priest Downunder