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One hundred and thirty three red robed cardinals picked a new pope Thursday. Hours before 

Robert Prevost of the United States was named Pope Leo XIV

, a University of St. Thomas Catholic studies student was in St. Peter’s square, with thousands of others, patiently awaiting the decision. 

“It's tense,” said Alex Lenzmeier. "Tons of different people from all over the place have come to Rome for this conclave.”

Leinzmeier, class of 2028, is one of the students studying at the University of St. Thomas’ Rome Bernandi Campus. He also spoke on Easter in St. Peter’s Basilica before Pope Francis’ death. He said the entire experience has been emotional.

“Just being in Rome has really deepened my faith,” he said. “It's really something special, and something that I'll never be able to, you know, replicate and I'll never forget it.”

St. Thomas student remembers Pope Francis

Lenzmeier spoke with MPR News host Cathy Wurzer hours before white smoke poured out of the Sistine Chapel. Listen to the full conversation by clicking the player above.

Cathy Wurzer

Host

Heidi Raschke

Author

Alex Lenzmeier is part of a handful of students studying at the University of St. Thomas’ campus in Rome. He joined Morning Edition to discuss the conclave in Italy. 

St. Thomas University student says being in Rome for conclave deepened his faith

University of St. Thomas student says being in Rome for conclave deepened his faith

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