A Daytime Stroll with God and the Pope Photo

Photographer’s Note

Santa Maria degli Angeli is a large church in a town of the same name at the foot of the hill on which Assisi lies. Although the church is famous for being the location at which St. Francis of Assisi died, the church itself is an impressive work of art. Started by Pope Pio V in 1539, the large labyrthine church wasn't completed until 110 years later. The church is a popular tourist spot for those who work for the church. Nuns and priests from all over the world can be seen walking around in the quiet but massive piazza that sits in front of the church. A photograph of our new pope hangs on a large banner above the entranceway to the church, while a large chalice--meant to represent the cup from which Jesus drank during the last supper--is surrounded by a garden in the center of the piazza. The place certainly was peaceful--very few, if any, tourists, and the countless nuns and priests are always willing to talk for a friendly chat.

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Critiques | Translate

pamastro (7215) 2005-06-06 21:41

Nicely taken. The monumentality here is really well captured in this tight crop. The chalice, the facade and the banner all come out huge. In fact when I glanced at the thumbnail I thought perhaps this was St. John Lateran in Rome. It really gives this church that same huge feel. The old woman is great in this setting. Especially below the image of the new Pope. It's also neat that the image shows a jubilant new Pope but obviously everyone has returned to their routines as this woman does as she walks by without paying much attention to the Pope up there. He's saying,"Hey, I'm the new Pope!" and she says,"Yes, I know, now I have to get my groceries."