The Pope is Dope

As a Catholic, I was excited to know that Pope Benedict XVI was going to come to Barcelona to consecrate the Sagrada Familia, the masterpiece cathedral by Antoni Gaudí. Wanting to avoid the thick crowds around the church, we decided to join along the streets, where the Pope would be passing by to greet the masses with a friendly wave and arms-raising.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

There were lots of followers waiting for His Holiness after Mass. Large screens were put up for all to see the service.

As imagined, security was tight, tight, tight. The Pope was scheduled to leave the Sagrada Familia to the archdiocese, which was to be a 15-minute ride.People were eager to make their statements. This sign reads "Miracle urgent: 1 politic honest". I don't know if it's Catalan or very bad English.Of course, there were several protestors as well. The top balcony says, "Use the condom." There was also a flashmob of gays and lesbians who were to kiss for two minutes outside the church as the Pope arrived. Wonder if he even saw them. Overall, it was peaceful.

Paloma mounted the Palomamobile while we waited for the Popemobile. "Popopopopopo....!!!"

The royal family, the president, and lots of politicians were there. The only one to greet the crowds was the Queen of Spain, who sat in the back seat of a speedy sedan and waved. See how accurately I was able to take the picture?

Here comes His Holiness...

Eeks! See that hand waving in the lower left corner? I have a picture of the Pope!
Ah, didn't know the Popemobile went faster than 10 mph.
Until next time...!
Two seconds after this, the crowds dispersed like cockroaches. May we meet again, dear Holy Father!