Father David speaks about Rome experience

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – A member of the Providence Diocese is in Rome witnessing history in the making.

Father David Gaffney from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence explains what it’s like actually being in Rome for the election of a new Pope.

“I never anticipated we would have a new Pope while I was here so the mood is a bit exciting these past few days,” said Father Gaffney.

This is also exciting for the 250 American seminarians studying at the Pontifical North American College where Father David works as a spiritual director. On Tuesday morning, those seminarians formed a so-called ‘honor guard’ to see off the American Cardinals who were staying at the college before entering the conclave.

“The seminarians are very excited, it’s the first time for them to see the election of a Pope,” he said. “I think they are enjoying the unique opportunity to be here to really witness history being made. ”

Father David confirms that Cardinal O’Malley, the former Bishop of the Fall River Diocese, is definitely being talked about in Rome.

“The last thing I heard was from a little store here, not far from the Vatican, and I went in to buy a few post cards and the owner of the store began to speak to me in English and he said, ‘that cardinal from Boston, I like him. ’”

Tuesday's conclave resulted in stream of black smoke, and voting will continue on Wednesday.