Submitted Photo University of Mary students are shown outside St. Peter’s Basilica Thursday. Kalen Hill of Minot is at far right. Jordn Wolsky is in the second row behind and between the two students in the front who are wearing shawls and holding the university flag.

ROME – Two Minot students at the University of Mary participated in one of the most significant events of the Catholic Church on Thursday as they joined the thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square in Rome to witness the announcement of the election of a new pope.

Jordn Wolsky, a biology major, and Kalen Hill, majoring in music education, were among 35 students from the University of Mary who had recently arrived in Rome for a five week “May-mester” at the university’s campus there. They were present in St. Peter’s Square for the scheduled conclave votes that began Wednesday evening and continued into Thursday.

“The timing of our students’ arrival in Rome could not be more providential,” Maggie Popp, student life coordinator at the University of Mary’s Rome campus, said in a U of M release. “These are once-in-a-lifetime moments, and our students are getting to live them firsthand.”

Hill and Wolsky were soaking up the experience in Rome as they waited for the white smoke to appear, indicating a pope had been selected.

“The city is abuzz. One of the wonderful things about this place is that faith and the church is important to everybody. The reverence to God shown during the papal conclave is second to none,” Hill, a music education major, said in an email following the papal announcement Thursday.

When the white smoke appeared, he added, “It was absolutely out of this world. Tens of thousands of people holding their breath waiting for the smoke and then the roar of every single one of them when the smoke came. Then the cheers and absolute mayhem of the U.S. attendees was thundering when we heard Cardinal Prevost’s name.”

Robert Prevost, 69, who will be known as Leo XIV, is the first American to fill the role of pope.

“It was pretty neat to be a part of such a significant part in history, not only for the church, but also for the United States,” said Wolsky, a biology major. “It was an incredible sight and experience.

“Although I’m not Catholic, I come from a faith background, and it’s been a blessing to witness how faith brings people from all over the world together. This experience will undoubtedly strengthen my personal faith, as well as my sense of community and my connection to the Church,” she said.

Hill said his experiences in Rome have impacted his faith as well.

“It has shown me that the church truly is a family that is united towards the same thing and purpose of following God’s will. It has given me a deep respect for the faith background I was given by my family and have developed while at the University of Mary,” he said.

Although the election of a new pope has been a highlight, both Wolsky and Hill have been impressed with their overall experience in Rome so far.

“It’s been an incredible experience to be a part of such significant historical events, while simultaneously learning about the ancient history of the world. Through our study abroad program, we are immersed in diverse cultures and learning about the profound impact of significant historical events on individuals worldwide,” Wolsky said. “We’ve only been here for a couple of days, but my biggest takeaway is to explore and learn as much as possible. The world offers so much, and the growth you can experience is unmatched.”

His biggest takeaway, Hill said, is “that culture can come in many forms and there is never a limit to what you can learn or experience when given the opportunity.”

University of Mary students also were scheduled to attend the new pope’s first apostolic blessing and installation Mass.

Submitted Photo
This photo of the papal ceremony with newly elected Pope Leo XIV on the balcony was taken by Jordn Wolsky of Minot, one of 35 University of Mary students who were studying in Rome at the time of the announcement of the new pope.