A group from Cleveland County had a front-row seat for history on a recent trip to Rome.
Students and faculty from Gardner-Webb University were in Vatican City and surrounding areas when Pope Francis was selected at the cardinal conclave.
Members of the group from Gardner-Webb were among thousands of spectators from all over the world who gathered at the Vatican’s St. Peter’s square when the final vote was announced and Francis was elected.
“We could not have predicted that a pope would resign or have inside information on when the conclave of cardinals would begin, nor did we know which vote would end in election,” said Nancy Bottoms, GWU assistant professor in the School of Performing and Visual Arts. “Since luck put us in Rome at the right time, we were in St. Peter’s Square to witness the smoke that marked the results of each vote.”
The trip was organized last year by the GWU Office of International Programs.
Among other historical sights the group visited was Assisi, the home of St. Francis.
Several members of the group waited, watching the smoke white smoke to appear to announce that a new pope was selected.
“Some of our group stood in the cold rain on the first night and saw only black smoke. On the third day, standing in the rain with thousands were Rebecca Ennis and David Dunham, who had the best view to see the first wisps of white smoke rise over the Vatican walls,” said Bottoms. “Then the cheer rose from the people and the bells tolled. We rejoiced and chanted after the pope’s name was given. 'Francesco, Francesco, Francesco,’ as a man directly in front of us shouted and cried as he fell to his knees.”
Other members of the group were with a crowd at Trevi Fountain, where coins are thrown for good blessings, when the white smoke appeared on viewing screens at that location.
“Although I wasn’t at the Vatican, being able to say I was still in Rome when the pope was elected is something I will always remember as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Allison Drennan, of Gastonia, a senior and graphic design major with a minor in public relations.