Conociendo al Papa Juan Pablo II (en inglés)

A meeting with the Pope
Wednesday, November 10, 6:30 a.m.: the Saltimbanco troupe gets out of bed. For this gang of night owls, it's early, more like the wee hours of the morning. But it's a special occasion. In just a few hours, they'll be on stage at the Vatican, for a general audience with Pope John-Paul II. 7:15: They're off to the site where they gulp coffee, put the finishing touches to their make-up, and get their costumes on. They all seem to be sleep-walking, moving like machines, their mood reflecting the weather on this grey, cold and gloomy morning. 9:15: On the road. Monster traffic jams delay their arrival at the prestigious auditorium. The tension is mounting. The Vatican is waiting, the fatigue is palpable. But their sense of duty reminds them how important the event is. 10:15: Finally, they've arrived! The troupe begins to come to life. The artists are expected, and a place of honour has been reserved for them on the stage, to the left of the Pope. From the back of the room, you can see a giant spot of colour on the stage … they're all there! And everything is ready for Masha's juggling act too. 10:30: With no advance warning, except perhaps for a subtle shift in lighting, Pope John-Paul II enters. Emotions are running high, with the event playing out against a backdrop of feverish excitement and curiosity. Applause and cheers ring out from pilgrims who have come from the four corners of the globe. The Pope makes his way into the vast room under the admiring gaze of six thousand believers. We are at the centre of this celebration, a little confused, proud, and anxious to see what happens next. The Vatican wishes everyone welcome and names each group present at this weekly audience. Then it's our turn: "Cirque du Soleil from Canada." The music for Masha's juggling act begins, and his Holiness watches. He seems to enjoy it. 11:45: The assembly is drawing to a close. With the readings in several languages over, a few hundred guests line up to receive the eagerly-awaited blessing from the Holy Father. Our turn comes, and it's Zibi, one of our Polish artists, who presents our host with a gift on behalf of us all. Saltimbanco now has another unique story to tell. Regardless of their religion, regardless of what they believe or don't believe, everyone got something out of their presence at the Vatican, whether it was fulfilling the wish of a close relative or simply experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.