Our 2nd day in Italy was spent in Rome focusing on the early formation of Christianity in the 1st & 2nd centuries going all the way back to the apostles. Peter, one of Jesus' 12 disciples, was an evangelist to the Jews. He preached of Jesus' teachings all the way to Rome, where he was eventually crucified (upside down) inside the city since he was not Roman. The church built over his burial site is now known as St. Peter's Basilica.
Next to St. Peter's Basilica is the Vatican. Members of the Swiss army guard the entrance to the Vatican (where the Pope lives). Everywhere else in Italy you see the Italian police or the Italian army, but not here. Vatican City is considered it's own country, separate from Italian rule. The guards are from Switzerland and have been wearing this uniform for over 500 years.
Paul, one of the great writers of the Bible and an evangelist to the Gentiles, was a Roman citizen and well educated. His teachings led to the conversion of millions to Christianity and help guide the foundations of our Christian faith. Out of respect for his Roman citizenship, Paul was beheaded outside the city of Rome around 67 AD. The church on the right was originally built this exact size soon after his death in anticipation of all the visitors and pilgrimages. It's interior is very simple, but beautiful. Now known as St. Paul's Basilica, this church is also built over his remains.
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