Rome and the Vatican: A Journey of History, Faith, and Reflection

By Senator Neda Imasuen

Coming to Rome has been an experience like no other. There is something truly special about this ancient and magnificent city that makes you pause, look around, and appreciate the beauty and history that surround you. Everywhere you turn, there is something to admire, something to learn, and something that reminds you of how much history this city holds. Rome is not just a place you visit; it is a place you experience, and one that leaves a lasting impression on your heart.

And then, there is the Vatican! What an incredible place to behold. A country within a city, rich in history, faith, art, and spirituality. There is so much to see and take in that one visit hardly seems enough. The walking is extensive, and by the end of the day, your feet and body certainly remind you of the effort you have put in. But despite the exhaustion, I found it all worthwhile. Every step brought another opportunity to appreciate the beauty, significance, and uniqueness of this remarkable place.

For me, as a Catholic, the Vatican means so much more than its historical significance. It is deeply personal. It is a place where my faith meets history, where the foundations of Christianity feel closer and more tangible. Being there gives me a profound sense of connection to the faith I believe in and the generations of Christians who have walked this journey before me. It is one thing to read about biblical events and the beginnings of Christianity, but it is quite another to stand in a place so closely connected to that history. It makes everything feel more real and gives me even more reason to reflect on the richness and enduring power of my faith.

And St. Peter’s Basilica—what can I say? Simply awesome! Words hardly do it justice. Its grandeur, beauty, and sacred atmosphere leave you in awe. Yet, beyond the magnificent architecture and artistic treasures, there is something deeply moving about being inside such a sacred place. For me, it is a place to pause, pray, reflect, connect with God, and adore Him. In the midst of all the beauty and the many people around, there is an opportunity to find a quiet moment within yourself and appreciate the spiritual significance of where you are.

The Vatican is certainly a special place for Catholics, but I believe anyone with an open mind and a desire to learn can find something meaningful there. Whether you are drawn by faith, history, culture, or simply the wonder of human achievement, there is so much to appreciate. It is a place that invites you not only to look but also to think, reflect, and feel.

As I reflect on my visit, one thing is clear: a single trip cannot possibly do justice to all that Rome and the Vatican have to offer. There is simply too much history to absorb, too much beauty to appreciate, and too much spiritual richness to experience in one visit. I leave with wonderful memories, a deeper appreciation of Rome’s remarkable heritage, and, most importantly, a renewed sense of connection to my faith.

Rome and the Vatican have certainly left their mark on me. It has been an enriching and humbling experience, one I will cherish for a long time. And if I have the opportunity, I would gladly return—not just to see the places I missed, but to experience once again the beauty, the history, the peace, and the spirituality that make these destinations so extraordinary.

Some journeys are measured in miles, but the most meaningful ones are measured by what they awaken within us. In Rome, I walked among the ruins of empires, the treasures of centuries, and the sacred places where faith has endured through generations. Yet the greatest distance I traveled was inward: toward a deeper understanding of history, a renewed closeness to God, and a clearer appreciation of my own place in a story far greater than myself.

I return home knowing that Rome and the Vatican are not truly left behind. Their stones, prayers, beauty, and silence will remain with me, continuing to speak long after the journey has ended. I did not come seeking history and wonder, but as a guest speaker at a conference. I leave carrying something more lasting—a grateful heart, a strengthened faith, and the quiet conviction that some places do not simply become memories; they become part of who we are.

I came to Rome as a guest speaker at a conference organized to help bring peace to the world through the practical application of the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This principle is not merely a beautiful idea; it is a practical guide for how we live and make decisions. Its application in our homes, classrooms, boardrooms, parliaments, and government decision-making rooms can shape policies, relationships, and actions that affect the entire world. My hope is that the Golden Rule will inspire people everywhere to choose compassion, justice, respect, and peace in their daily lives and in the decisions that shape our shared future.

Senator Neda Bernards Imasuen, representing Edo South Senatorial District, writes from Benin City, Edo State.