Easter Sunday, 1978, The Vatican, 200,000 People

Pope Paul VI gave greetings in late March 1978. This would be his last Easter. He would die that year, to be succeeded by Pope John Paul I, who lived only a short time after election, to be succeeded by the famous Pope John Paul II. The Vatican was so packed that day, you could almost lift your legs and not fall. People were fainting. The estimate was over 200,000 people which would be largest group of people I have ever been in. We were right at the front ropes because we got there about 5:00am on a train from Florence. Had a great view of the Swiss Guard, and of the Pope. It was a neat day. His message that day can be found here: www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/messages/urbi_et_orbi/....