Watching the funeral for Pope Francis this morning brought back vivid memories of our time in Rome during our 2016 train adventure around Europe.

We were staying in an Airbnb just a short walk from the Colosseum. One morning, while wandering through a nearby circle, we noticed a beautiful church across the way — the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. At the time, we didn’t know much about its history, but something about it called to us. We stepped inside and soon realized we were standing in one of the oldest and most revered churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

As we watched the Popemobile pass by the Colosseum this morning, memories of that trip came flooding back: standing in awe beneath the ancient arches, feeling the pulse of history all around us, and marveling at how these stones have stood witness to centuries of faith and change.

We remembered the grandeur of the Vatican, the soaring beauty of St. Peter’s Basilica, and the quiet power of simply walking through the streets of Rome. There’s something about being in Rome — surrounded by layers of civilization, devotion, and memory — that leaves a permanent mark on your heart.

Today, those memories feel even closer. The echoes of history, the timelessness of faith, and the spirit of Rome are woven into our reflections. Watching the funeral unfold — knowing that the Basilica where the Pope’s body will rest was a place we had quietly discovered years ago — made the ceremony feel deeply personal.

Another changing of the guard.

Another farewell to a protector of the Church.

And another reminder: across centuries and continents, we are all linked by stories of faith, courage, and grace.