When in Rome

When in Rome
By admin


With a mere 800 permanent residents, including one rather prominent theologian, and covering just 44 hectares, Vatican City is the world's smallest independent state in terms of size and population. Within this walled enclave, the site of St Peter's Square & Basilica, and surrounded by the chaotic city of Rome, the Pope holds sway over the global affairs of the Catholic Church.

""

The current pontiff, Benedict XVI, is the 265th incarnation, dating back to St Peter in the first century AD. After nearly eight years as Pope, Benedict, previously a German cardinal by the name of Joseph Ratzinger, shocked the world
by announcing his plan to step down in late February – the first to do so in nearly 600 years.

""

March will see a papal conclave of 117 cardinals from around the world   assemble to elect the next Pope.
After a period of perhaps a few weeks a new leader will be chosen to wear the hallowed red shoes & ceremonial robes. Each unsuccessful ballot is heralded by black smoke emanating from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel.

""

When white smoke is released, the world's 1.2 billion Catholics will know a new leader has been chosen.
When in Rome, My Vatican Tour offers a Vatican in One Day Tour from 95.50 euros ($124)

""

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Latest News

  • Aviation

Low-cost Indian carrier SpiceJet continues to burn cash

It’s not just low-cost Australian carriers that are facing hardship. SpiceJet, India’s version of Bonza, recently announced a 72 per cent reduction in its net loss versus last year. But, despite this improvement, the airline has posted losses for six straight years. But it has secured board approval to raise up to INR 30 billion […]

  • Attractions

SAKA Museum recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024

AYANA Resort Bali’s newly-opened cultural and events centre, SAKA Museum has been recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2024. Part of AYANA Bali’s resort destination, the museum integrates Bali’s rich history with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the centrepiece for the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage. TIME magazine’s inclusion of SAKA Museum in […]

  • Cruise

Silversea taps Barbara Biffi as senior vice president for global sales

Ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel brand, Silverseas, has announced Barbara Biffi as its new senior vice president of global sales. Biffi joined the company in 2007, holding numerous positions and gaining a deep understanding of the brand, the preferences of its guests and its strategic goals, the company said. An Italian national with a wealth […]

  • Technology
  • Travel Agents

Amadeus welcomes FCM Travel as new reseller partner of Cytric Easy

Cytric Easy, the travel management tool embedded in Microsoft Teams, is to be integrated into FCM Travel portfolio. Amadeus and FCM Travel have extended their Cytric distribution agreement to include Cytric Easy. With this new agreement, global travel management company FCM Travel, becomes a reseller of the innovative travel management collaboration solution embedded into Microsoft […]