Italy travel: Rome. According to tradition, the Scala Santa steps were walked by Christ. St. Helen, mother of Emperor Constantine, brought these 28 steps from Jerusalem. Pope Sixtus V had them placed in their present position. Not all of our Perillo Tours Familia had a chance to see these steps. The steps are covered in wood so that no foot can touch them, and this is the reason why the faithful climb up them on their knees; the video shows them saying prayers on each step. There's a statue of Pontius Pilate holding a bag of 30 coins, his compensation for his betrayal. Then a view of the outside of St. John's, the "official" home of the Pope, even if he does spend most of his time in the Vatican. St. John's is Vatican property again, so our Perillo Tours Familia is no longer officially in Italy! (You can view this video, and other travel videos in full-size and near-DVD quality, travel stills and more at www.jpmeyer.com).
