Students miss seeing Pope but witness Italy's fervor

CHRIS SMALDONE/Special to the Nevada Daily Mail Pictured above, a flag waves to represent visitors from the United States in Vatican City on Wednesday

Editor's note: A group of Cottey students spent part of spring break in Italy on an educational tour led by Director of Public Information Steve Reed.

By Connie Chia

Special to the Daily Mail

Second year Cotty student Samantha Nutting holds a copy of an Italian newspaper acquired while in Florence, dated the day after Papa Francesco was elected to the papacy: 14 March, 2013. Photo by Connie Chia/Special to Daily Mail

Cottey students were in Italy when Pope Francis was elected.

But unfortunately, while the white smoke was rising from the Vatican and shouts of Viva il Papa! were rising to meet the new Pope, we were cooped up in a hotel in Florence, approximately 173.8 miles away from Rome watching the news of Pope Francis on the internet.

One year earlier, we found out from Cottey College that our class would be going to Florence and Rome for Spring Break 2013.

Submitted Photo Cottey students gather outside Constantine's arch near the Coliseum.

Little did we know that Pope Benedict XVI would retire, and that a new Pope would be elected the week we were in Italy.

Our destination was selected one year ago, as was our trip's itinerary: Florence first, then Rome.

We missed the Pope's election by one day.

Upon our arrival in Rome, Cottey students happened to meet a group of midshipmen from the United States Naval Academy on Catholic pilgrimage throughout Rome.

Like us, they had planned their pilgrimage six months previous to this week's events.

But unlike us, they had the good fortune to be in Rome during the conclave, and were able to join the crowd in Vatican City on Wednesday to photograph the event.

After a barrage of envious questioning on my part, the midshipmen were convinced to send me some of the photos they took in Vatican City during the Pope's election.

Those midshipmen still won't let me forget that I missed seeing the greatest event in 600 years (the resignation of the Pope, and the first Pope Francis), but that's OK.

At least I can tell people that "I was in Italy during the Pope's election," and I doubt they will inquire further, especially since I have pictures.