A pope has been chosen!

seminarian Mark Steffl eyewitness to historical moment of announcement of Pope Benedict XVI

by Deacon Mark Steffl

I arrived in St Peter’s Square a few hours before the "white smoke" was seen. There was some confusion as to whether it was black or white, and until the bells on the Basilica rang, we were unsure. Shortly after 6 p.m. local time, the bells of the basilica began to ring, for 15 minutes. Usually we are told it takes about 45 minutes from the time the smoke is seen until the new Holy Father appears at the balcony of the Basilica to make his first appearance as Pope and give his Apostolic Blessing. The whole piazza was filled, as was the via della Concilliazione, the broad road that leads to the Vatican. There were many groups that could be identified by their national flags, from all over the world. Just that image alone evoked a true sense of the inter-national aspect of the Universal Catholic Church that would soon have a new Holy Father. The feeling and sense of the atmosphere in anticipation was truly remarkable and energetic in its anticipation, and words fail me in seeking to describe it. As a Cardinal appeared to speak the prescribed words announcing to the world that a new Pope had been elected, there was much anticipation and cheering.

It was a remarkable and blessed event to be a witness to during these days in Rome. I believe as well a great showering of grace on the world as it watched from many corners thousands of miles apart, an event not only seen by many Catholics, but an opportunity for evangelization for so many others.

These past years in Rome have allowed me to attest to the many good comments that circulate about our new Holy Father. He is a very kind man, he is soft-spoken and is an accomplished linguist. I have met him a number of times here in Rome, most recently, last Thanksgiving when I was at a small Mass he celebrated for pilgrims from Germany in the Collegio Teutonico inside the walls of Vatican City. This last time, I was able to speak with him, telling him how much I admired his work and the many great works of theology he had written. He had asked where I was studying here in Rome and in which faculty, and was very interested in hearing about the program of study in which I am enrolled, Fundamental Theology. He was kind enough to allow me to have my picture taken with him at that time, (see photo above). He asked when I was to be ordained a priest, and after I had told him, his final words were: "Be a good and

holy priest!"

Often Cardinal Ratzinger could be seen walking through St Peter’s Square in his plain black cassock, and although he held an important position under Pope John Paul II, he was always willing to stop to take a picture of tourists in front of the Basilica, many of whom did not know who he was.

Although we are still saddened that our beloved John Paul II is no longer with us, we can be both consoled and assured that the Holy Spirit has given us a great gift in the choice of our new Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI to guide and shepherd us.