They're everywhere. You see mini-shrines, small churches, big churches, cathedrals, and more. Yesterday the Pope (Il Papa) was on TV at the restaurant where we were having coffee. One woman was crying out in joy and literally stroking the screen with her hands. It wasn't creepy, though. It was kind of cool. The Italians are really "into" their religion, though I wonder if the younger generations will continue that devotion. I think if there is a Pope who stands a chance of making that happen it's Francis. Benedict was a train wreck with his conservative myopia.
You can't come here without being steeped in the history and presence of Catholicism. The thing I appreciate most is that it's not forced upon you. You're not required (out of etiquette or otherwise) to perform rituals of devotion if you are not a devotee. It can even feel kind of fun-- the church bells ring quite often. Doubly so on Sundays. And they sound joyous. That joy can even rub off just a little on the most crotchety old atheist.
You can't come here without being steeped in the history and presence of Catholicism. The thing I appreciate most is that it's not forced upon you. You're not required (out of etiquette or otherwise) to perform rituals of devotion if you are not a devotee. It can even feel kind of fun-- the church bells ring quite often. Doubly so on Sundays. And they sound joyous. That joy can even rub off just a little on the most crotchety old atheist.