Viterbo, day 2 — Oct 22

On our rest day in Viterbo, Fr. Jim and I made our way over to the cathedral complex. The cathedral of San Lorenzo was bombed during 1944 during World War II. When it was restored, it was simplified to its original Romanesque style. In its simplicity, it was very beautiful. One of the pictures below show a pillar still showing war damage…lest we forget.

Jim and I then went over to the Cathedral Museum and the Papal residence in Viterbo. In the mid to late 1200s, several popes in a row took up residence in Viterbo to avoid the political difficulties in Rome with the noble families there. A simple beautiful palace was constructed for them. We had a fascinating window into a very tumultuous time, with popes dying of illnesses after only a single day in office.

It was here in Viterbo that the cardinals couldn’t decide who should be pope after 33 months. The people of the town, who had to support all of the cardinals during their stay, locked the doors “with a key” (in Latin con clave), thus the origins of our word “conclave.” That was insufficient to get them to a decision so the citizens took the roof off of the hall of the papal residence and forced the cardinals to live in tents until they made a decision. Some of the rules that were created at that time exist to this day, to safeguard cardinals from political influence.

We attended a perfectly satisfying Mass at the cathedral and prayed for you as we always do. After the time with papal politics it was so good to spend time with our Lord.

Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

We museum hopped twice more to see the amazing frescos in the Palazzo dei Priori, and the somewhat eclectic Museo Civico. Poor Fr. Jim! I wore out his great goodwill (I can spend a lot of time in museums reading everything) and had to placate him with an extra large gelato. He’s taking a nap now. All shall be well.

Love from your priest,
Fr. Patrick