By Father Tyler Underhill, Special to The Message
Habemus Papam—We have a Pope! These, of course, are the words that were announced to the world May 8 when the first American-born pontiff, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, stepped out onto the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica as Pope Leo XIV. Even at this time, it is hard for me to put into words the experience of witnessing such an event as this. Still reeling from the deeply prayerful funeral Mass for Pope Francis April 26, where I had the privilege to concelebrate with many other priests, I can say with great joy that this time of the Conclave might be one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
Each day, when the cardinals would cast their votes, Diocese of Evansville Seminarian Dylan Stefanich and I would already be standing in the square awaiting the white or black smoke, which of course indicates if a new pope has been elected. When we went down around 4 p.m. Rome time May 8, after already seeing black smoke in the morning, we made our way to the front of St. Peter’s Square. A little after 6 p.m., the crowd erupted with cheers as we all saw the white smoke pour out of the chimney. People from all over the city literally dropped what they were doing and ran towards the square! I was glad at this point we decided not to leave for a meal break or quick coffee. When the cardinal came out to announce that there was a new pope, the crowd went wild.
As soon as he said Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost, we, that is all the American priests and seminarians who were standing together, knew he was an American. The then Cardinal Prevost had earlier in the year celebrated Mass for Thanksgiving Day at our seminary, the Pontifical North American College, so we had an encounter with him prior to his election as Supreme Pontiff. I also had the opportunity when I was a deacon to serve a Confirmation Mass with him at St. Patrick’s Parish here in Rome. I recall during that Mass that he spoke with a great sense of prayerfulness. He was very encouraging with the class receiving Confirmation and he had an overall sense of joy and peace about him. Now, he was about to walk out as Pope.
Around us, people from other nations, especially the Italians, were asking gobs of questions about his background, age and whatnot. Everyone was offering auguri, or congratulation to us as Americans, but they were soon drowned out by the cheers when Pope Leo XIV stepped out waving to the world. Like many people, I was shocked. A pope from the United States, and the Midwest at that! There was such a strong sense of joy and excitement that filled the entire City of Rome—We have a Pope! I even recall that I ran into several individuals who were not Catholic and just happened to be in Rome at the time visiting. They too were amazed by the whole experience. What other event in the world could unite so many people from around the world?
I am certainly thankful that, as my time in Rome draws to a close with about a month left, I can leave having experienced this great moment in history. Often the rector of our seminary, Msgr. Thomas Powers, will say that one of the dimensions of studying in Rome is embracing the city itself because it too can enliven our faith. It is at times like these that this is most visible. To see the election of a pope is not only an honor and a moment to be proud as a Catholic, but it is a reminder of the unity of our Catholic Faith.
Dylan Stefanich, who is also studying here in Rome at the North American College, said “It was a huge blessing to be present at Pope Francis’s funeral to pray for him and the repose of his soul. Then, after the period of mourning, it was especially exciting to be at all the Conclave events to see the true universality of our Church. There was a great feeling of anticipation as all of us awaited the smoke signals in the square each time, and an overwhelming joy when we saw the white smoke. To see this unbroken tradition passed down from St. Peter unfold in front of our eyes made me very proud to be Catholic. It was a powerful emotional and spiritual experience, especially to experience it with Father Underhill. I’m so thankful to God for this time to be here and to see His Church continue strongly under His new Vicar, Pope Leo XIV.”
On Sunday, May 18, Dylan and I attended Pope Leo’s Inaugural Mass as the Bishop of Rome. Know of our prayers and let us all pray together for our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.