For over a year the streets of Rome have been closed to many foreign pilgrims.
As a result American Catholics have been unable to travel to Rome, a pilgrimage which for many Catholics is a significant moment in their faith.
REV. STEVEN PETROFF
Rector, St. Patrick’s Church (Rome)
“Well the pilgrimage to Rome, I think it’s an important aspect of Catholicism worldwide. In the past we saw pilgrims especially from the United States and from all over the western hemisphere.”
Fr. Steven Petroff is the rector of St. Patrick's Church in Rome, the home for American pilgrims travelling to the Eternal City.
For the last year his church has been largely empty, awaiting the return of pilgrims to fill its pews.
He says St. Patrick's offers a sense of community and family for Americans visiting Rome, a family he hopes to bring together soon.
REV. STEVEN PETROFF
Rector, St. Patrick’s Church (Rome)
“Like flight attendants that would come in and would say they loved to be here because they know it’s like coming home even though they’re on the other side of the world or something like that, they’re from the US. So, it is that sense of family.”
As of May 16 Americans who travel to Italy on COVID-tested flights will no longer need to quarantine. Fr. Petroff is hopeful that pilgrims will take advantage of the opportunity to once again experience the wonders of Rome.
REV. STEVEN PETROFF
Rector, St. Patrick’s Church (Rome)
“I hope to see pilgrims coming back in a safe way, vaccinated, and coming back and enjoying the beauties this city offers to them, connecting with the Holy Father, being present at his audience, and celebrating with us here.”
On May 12, Pope Francis resumed receiving pilgrims at his weekly Audience. With nearly 40% of the United States' population fully vaccinated, American Catholics could soon be getting a glimpse of the Pope in-person once again.
JM
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