When Christendom juniors landed in Rome this past February for their semester abroad, they expected art, history, and the beauty of living in the very Heart of the Church. What they did not expect was to be swept up in a historic papal transition — spending their days balancing studies with trips to St. Peter’s Square, joining thousands in waiting for the white smoke that will signal the next pope.
This is not the first time Christendom students have been in Rome for a papal conclave. Students were present in St. Peter’s Square for the elections of Pope Benedict XVI in 2005 and Pope Francis in 2013. Both of those moments deeply moved those present, enriching their understanding of the Church, the papacy, and their Catholic faith.
Christendom students in St. Peter’s Square for the election of Pope Francis in 2013.
This year’s students have already witnessed history. Just weeks ago, they attended Pope Francis’ final Easter Sunday Mass and his Urbi et Orbi blessing — the day before his passing. It was a moment that left a lasting impression.
“We were touched by how much he was visibly pushing himself to be there for his flock,” said student Anna Hsu in an interview with Aleteia. “He looked very uncomfortable, but he stayed out for so much longer than we expected.”
Fellow student Evan Seelig, who was also present, shared how powerful the moment was.
“It made the experience of that day seem even more significant,” said Seelig. “I consider myself blessed that I was able to hear his last public words and receive his last papal blessing.”
Students in Rome have spent the last few weeks in prayer, both for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis and for the papal conclave.
With one week remaining in the semester, students are splitting their time between preparing for finals and heading to St. Peter’s Square to await the momentous announcement of the next pontiff. Studying this semester at the Augustinianum — located just next to St. Peter’s colonnade — gives them quick access to the Vatican at a moment’s notice.
“We will be very close to St. Peter’s and will keep an eye out for any smoke and an ear out for the sound of bells,” said Seelig. “I also hope to go to St. Peter’s at noon and 7:00 p.m. every day to watch for white smoke.”
Christendom’s Junior Semester in Rome has been one of the most popular features of the college for over 20 years, enhancing the college’s academic experience with the cultural and intellectual enrichment that living and studying in Rome offers students. Over the past two decades, students have witnessed many historic moments — from the funerals of Pope St. John Paul II and Pope Francis to the canonizations of saints, and the elections of two popes — with hopes of witnessing a third in the coming days.
For more information on Christendom’s Semester in Rome, visit here.