"It is difficult to explain the tremendous joy of Catholics and non-caholics who witnessed this tremendous event."
Kath lives in a cottage in Bagnall in Stoke-on-Trent and is studying history of art.
My story is about present at a momentous moment in history.
Inside Lives has been brilliant!
All our eyes were on a spot on the roof of St. Peter's in Rome and we gave a great cheer as the greyish white smoke spiralled from the tall chimney. This was the signal that the world had a new Pope and I was there with a group of people from the Potteries to see it all happen. I am not a Catholic but I knew that this was Pope John Paul 1, an Italian. He was a popular choice but had the shortest reign in history. He was said to be a modest man with a great sense of humour. One of the first gifts he received was a Royal Doulton Loving Cup which we presented to him on behalf of Stoke-on-Trent. That night we drew a crowd of people - Italians,Spanish, French, German and American who seemed fascinated by our enthusiasm and I danced and sang and joined in with thousands of other excited people. It is difficult to explain The tremendous joy of Catholics and non-caholics who witnessed this tremendous event. At the end of the evening as the floodlights went out one by one, bewildered bystanders joined hands with the Potters to sing Auld Lang Syne. Next morning in brilliant sunshine we were among 300,000 others in the Square for the appearance of the Pope on the balcony to give his first Angelus. I didn't understand what he was saying but those who did wept, cheered and laughed in turn. An Italian next to me said: "He talks like a father to his children." Pope John Paul 1 was in office just three weeks when he was found dead in bed on 28th September 1978 ostensibly of a heart attack, but there were many rumours about the way he died, even suggestions he may have been murdered. When I heard about his death I felt grateful that I had been privileged to be present at a moment when history was made.
| 
