Diocesan seminarian recounts firsthand experience

Massimo Percossi

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Waiting for the smoke signaling the result of the first ballot of the conclave, deacons and seminarians from the Pontifical North American College hold vigil in St. Peter's Square March 12. Second from the right is the Rev. Mr. Christopher Gray, who is set to be ordained a priest for the Diocese of Salt Lake City June 29. Although the smoke was black that night, the white smoke signaling the election of a new pope appeared the next night. "When the first wisps of white appeared everyone gasped and cheers erupted," said Deacon Gray, who witnessed the event. Courtesy photo/ Massimo Percossi

By Joe Delka

Special to the Intermountain Catholic

For a few weeks prior to the conclave there was a crescendo of excitement as cardinals from all corners of the globe came to Rome to select a new pope. Soon enough the time for the conclave arrived. I was amazed as the attention of the entire world turned to Rome.

The night of Wednesday, March 13 rolled around and I was packed into St. Peter’s Square with thousands of people. All of us intently watched the little chimney sticking out of the roof of the Sistine Chapel. Then, in an instant, white smoke began pouring out of the chimney. The crowd roared and rushed forward as the bells of St. Peter’s began to peal. We waited for almost an hour until the doors to the balcony opened and the joyful message was announced: "Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum – habemus papam!" ("I announce to you a great joy – we have a pope!")

It is hard to describe the great excitement I felt, and the energy of the crowd was incredible! The rain stopped and the sky cleared as Pope Francis came out to greet the world. His manner was simple.

One of the first things he did, in a very simple way, was this: He taught the world how to pray. Together we all prayed the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for Pope emeritus Benedict XVI.

Then Pope Francis asked for a few moments of silent prayer for him. He bowed down as thousands and thousands of people fell silent to pray for the new pontiff.

Once again the promise made by Jesus long ago continues today: "…you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church…" (Mt 16:18)

It has been less than a week since his election and I have already been deeply impressed by Pope Francis’ simplicity and sincere love for the flock under his care. I look forward to learning more about him and looking to his example in the years to come.

Joe Delka is a Diocese of Salt Lake City seminarian who lives at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.