University of Mary students witness history: Front-row seat to election of Pope Leo XIV

In a moment that will be etched in the annals of Church history, students from the University of Mary’s Rome campus stood mere feet from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica as white smoke signaled the election of the first American pope, Robert Francis Prevost—now Pope Leo XIV. The students, part of the university’s May-mester program, found themselves at the epicenter of a historic spiritual event, witnessing firsthand the announcement of the new pontiff. 

Knowing the conclave was underway, Maggie Popp, University of Mary’s Rome campus student life coordinator from Brookings, S.D., held class right in St. Peter’s Square that morning, giving students a front-row view of the Sistine Chapel chimney while still engaging in their studies—a hallmark of the University of Mary’s deeply integrated Rome experience. 

As the white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, the atmosphere in St. Peter’s Square was electric. The anticipation culminated in the announcement of “Habemus Papam,” revealing Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago as Pope Leo XIV. 

“My reaction to the smoke was immediate joy, to the point of tears,” said Maddie London, a nursing student from Winneconne, Wis. “I had the undeniable feeling of being a small witness to something much greater than me and was grateful to be a part of the universal Church!” 

Nathaniel Weniger, a Catholic Studies major from Blaine, Minn., reflected, “When we received the information that the pope was from America, I was in total shock. It filled me with great hope and anticipation for the life of the Church.” 

The students were profoundly moved by the sense of unity present in the square. 

“I was captivated by how many flags from different countries were being waved and how many different languages I heard being spoken around me,” said Makenna Bannwarth, an elementary education major from Mitchell, S.D. “It was like seeing one big family gathered together.” 

Ela Sewald, a nursing student from Bennett, Colo., added, “Being in St. Peter’s Square has made me realize what being a part of the universal Church means. We were standing, waiting, and witnessing the election of a new pope with people of many nations speaking many different languages.” 

Even students not raised in the Catholic faith felt the gravity and beauty of the moment. Jordn Wolsky, a radiologic technology major from Minot, said, “Although I’m not Catholic, I come from a faith background, and it’s been a blessing to witness how faith brings people from all over the world together. This experience will undoubtedly strengthen my personal faith, as well as my sense of community and my connection to the Church.” 

For many students, the experience strengthened their faith and inspired vocational reflection. 

“This makes me even more proud to be Catholic now than I already was,” said Maria Foltz, a communication sciences and disorders major from Callaway, Minn. “Seeing all the flags from countries around the world, everyone’s pure joy to be here—it was such a wonderful representation of the universal Church.” 

Nathaniel Weniger, who plans to enter seminary this fall, noted, “Being a witness to a conclave, the white smoke, and the first appearance of the Holy Father has encouraged my own love of the Church. As I enter seminary this fall, I am even more excited to be a part of it all.” 

Pope Leo XIV, born in Chicago, is the first American and the first Augustinian pope. In his first public address, he greeted the world with, “Peace be with you all,” emphasizing unity and the Church’s mission to be a beacon of hope. 

During his first Mass as pontiff in the Sistine Chapel, he urged the Church to “illuminate the dark nights of this world” and warned against prioritizing materialism over faith. 

University of Mary students studying in Rome attended Pope Leo XIV’s Installation Mass on May 18, marking another significant moment in their spiritual journey. 

Maddy Schafer, a Catholic studies and psychology major from Meridian, Idaho, summed up the experience: “This experience has been more than an unexpected blessing. To witness the unfolding of the Church in action has been exciting and deeply moving. The Church is alive, and it was very present through the joy at Pope Leo XIV’s election.” 

As these students continue their studies and spiritual growth in Rome, their firsthand witness to this historic event will undoubtedly shape their faith and future contributions to the Church—and, for some, their understanding of it for the very first time.