There’s something magical about seeing a familiar face from “home” while witnessing something unique while abroad.
This whole piece really resonated with me - your feelings about being American in Europe right now and especially the conflict Pope Leo XIV must feel about being labeled “the American” while having lived so much time outside of the US.. long enough to be a naturalized citizen of another country. Hopefully the label will help his fellow Americans lead with kindness 🙏🏼
What an incredible moment. I wish I could have been there to absorb the buzz and excitement of the day! Your writing is always so vivid and entertaining, and it gives me insight into what your world has been like over the years! Thank you!
It’s called “La vita al dente: An American Married to an Italian diplomat.” No publisher yet. Working on finding a literary agent right now. Stay tuned! 🤞
Thank you so much Sheila and I just loved reading it . I am not in Rome at the moment and was sorry to have missed this very special moment at the Vatican .
"He’s the type of American that I love to meet while abroad: one who speaks multiple languages, maintains a curiosity for cultures beyond America, and listens with the inherent belief that other voices should be heard."
I quote this line among many that could be highlighted because, maybe, it is where Curiosity comes up. It is the 'legante' to move on.
Lovely and pleasant text to read and reflects in many aspects my own experience.
And I’ve been waiting to read your reporting on this news. What a wonderful story! I’m hopeful that Pope Leo will be The Pope for these times. Lots of love to you!
Aww, thanks so much, dear Marnie. Fingers crossed for a promising next few years during these troubling, crumbling times. Can’t wait to see you this summer. Will be in maine for last two weeks of July! ❤️
I’m so glad you wrote this. I’m so glad I saw it in my email and I read it. The same and similar questions and thoughts you expressed so eloquently (as always) have been running through my mind. Thank you for writing this. How wonderful the tie in with Father Michael, and the photo! I appreciate you so much. Have a wonderful day!!
After covering two conclaves as an AP reporter, I have viewed the announcement excitement from a different vantage point, but the energy of the crowd enthusiasm and cheers are still amazing. I share Sheila's feeling that Leo XIV will be significantly influenced by his years of living abroad. I explored that angle in my Half Roman substack post yesterday. Sheila's photo memento is a singularly special one to hold through the years. https://francesdemilio.substack.com/p/the-expat-pope
Thank you very much for this lovely comment. I also enjoyed reading your Expat Pope piece! You may not recall this but many moons ago I worked as an intern for you at the AP. It's lovely to be reacquainted like this, and even lovelier to see we share many of the same thoughts!
So lovely to read your terrific account of your "not ordinary day." I had a hunch you would find a way to be there! We couldn't help searching the crowd for a glimpse of you and our other Roman friends. Here's hoping this new era will be as compassionate as the one of Pope Francis.
Beautifully written and I share your hopes for the direction of the new Pope! What a magical moment to share with the priest who married you. Thank you for sharing and representing the best of America has to offer overseas!
What a wonderful piece! The best expression I have read about what it's like to be an American in Rome, marking this occasion. Thank you Sheila, and Brava!
There’s something magical about seeing a familiar face from “home” while witnessing something unique while abroad.
This whole piece really resonated with me - your feelings about being American in Europe right now and especially the conflict Pope Leo XIV must feel about being labeled “the American” while having lived so much time outside of the US.. long enough to be a naturalized citizen of another country. Hopefully the label will help his fellow Americans lead with kindness 🙏🏼
What a lovely comment, thank you! Look forward to reading your thoughts on all this in the future! ❤️
What an incredible moment. I wish I could have been there to absorb the buzz and excitement of the day! Your writing is always so vivid and entertaining, and it gives me insight into what your world has been like over the years! Thank you!
Grazie mille! In bocca al lupo with your book and complimenti on completing it. What is it called? Who's publishing it and do you have an ETA for it?
It’s called “La vita al dente: An American Married to an Italian diplomat.” No publisher yet. Working on finding a literary agent right now. Stay tuned! 🤞
I will!
Thank you so much Sheila and I just loved reading it . I am not in Rome at the moment and was sorry to have missed this very special moment at the Vatican .
Lovely to see the photo too.
I'm sure you were here in spirit last week, dear Aline! Thanks, as always, for supporting me in my writing.
"He’s the type of American that I love to meet while abroad: one who speaks multiple languages, maintains a curiosity for cultures beyond America, and listens with the inherent belief that other voices should be heard."
I quote this line among many that could be highlighted because, maybe, it is where Curiosity comes up. It is the 'legante' to move on.
Lovely and pleasant text to read and reflects in many aspects my own experience.
Many thanks, as always, my friend, for your kind words of my writing. Hope to see you very soon so we can discuss reading and writing together!
You put to words many of the thoughts, feelings and questions so many Americans had on this day living both at home and abroad. A great read Sheila!
Thank you, Kevin! I’m sorry this action didn’t happen while you were here but at least you can imagine it better now! Come back soon!
And I’ve been waiting to read your reporting on this news. What a wonderful story! I’m hopeful that Pope Leo will be The Pope for these times. Lots of love to you!
Aww, thanks so much, dear Marnie. Fingers crossed for a promising next few years during these troubling, crumbling times. Can’t wait to see you this summer. Will be in maine for last two weeks of July! ❤️
I’m so glad you wrote this. I’m so glad I saw it in my email and I read it. The same and similar questions and thoughts you expressed so eloquently (as always) have been running through my mind. Thank you for writing this. How wonderful the tie in with Father Michael, and the photo! I appreciate you so much. Have a wonderful day!!
Thank you for your lovely words, dear Christina. Always means so much to me to hear from you!
After covering two conclaves as an AP reporter, I have viewed the announcement excitement from a different vantage point, but the energy of the crowd enthusiasm and cheers are still amazing. I share Sheila's feeling that Leo XIV will be significantly influenced by his years of living abroad. I explored that angle in my Half Roman substack post yesterday. Sheila's photo memento is a singularly special one to hold through the years. https://francesdemilio.substack.com/p/the-expat-pope
Thank you very much for this lovely comment. I also enjoyed reading your Expat Pope piece! You may not recall this but many moons ago I worked as an intern for you at the AP. It's lovely to be reacquainted like this, and even lovelier to see we share many of the same thoughts!
Perfetta!
Thanks so much, dear Katie! I also loved reading your impressions about all that's been happening at St. Peter's lately!
So lovely to read your terrific account of your "not ordinary day." I had a hunch you would find a way to be there! We couldn't help searching the crowd for a glimpse of you and our other Roman friends. Here's hoping this new era will be as compassionate as the one of Pope Francis.
Thank you, dear Candy. It's always such a pleasure to hear from you. Sending you all my love!
Thankyou Sheila for sharing this most exciting moment with us ! What a thrill to be there at this most important time in history!
Thank you for your kind words! It has been very exciting to be in Rome during this monumental period!
Beautifully written and I share your hopes for the direction of the new Pope! What a magical moment to share with the priest who married you. Thank you for sharing and representing the best of America has to offer overseas!
Thank you, my dear friend. Hope you'll come over soon to Italy for another visit -- we miss you and need our Bini fix!
What a wonderful piece! The best expression I have read about what it's like to be an American in Rome, marking this occasion. Thank you Sheila, and Brava!
Very kind of you, dear Leah. Thank you for these lovely words. Miss you and hope all is well!
Thanks, Sheila, I loved the story. All my best to you and your family! Terry Vogt.
Thank you for reading, Terry! Always lovely to hear from you!
Always wonderful story!
Grazie tante, carissima Amelia. Un abbraccio forte!