Liz Nixon and Kerry Darragh are studying this semester in Rome.
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Liz Nixon, left, and Kerry Darragh are shown at St. Peter's Square as white smoke comes from the Sistine Chapel in the background.
They were in the right place at the right time.
Two Lehigh Valley college students studying this semester in Rome were among the thousands who packed St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday night as white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, signaling the election of a new pope.
For Liz Nixon, 21, of Forks Township, and Kerry Darragh, 20, of Bethlehem Township, Pa., it was a moving experience.
“As soon as the white smoke came out of the chimney, I was speechless,” said Nixon, who with Darragh attends the University of Maryland. “It was feelings of excitement and disbelief at the same time — disbelief that I was there and disbelief that (the Roman Catholic cardinals) made a decision.”
Nixon, a junior at Maryland and a 2010 graduate of Easton Area High School, and Darragh tried making their way with thousands of others toward the front of the square for a better view of what was about to happen, Nixon said.
Argentine Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio took the name Pope Francis and was revealed to the world from a balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica.
“I feel like as soon as he came out to address the crowd, everyone was very happy, and at the same time, put at ease,” Nixon, who is Catholic, said in an email today. “His humble presence assured the crowd that he was the right choice.
“I am extremely thankful to have witnessed this historical event.”
Darragh, a sophomore at Maryland and a 2011 Freedom High School graduate, said she and Nixon arrived at St. Peter's Square about two hours before the smoke emanated. Despite the cold and rain, they decided to stick around.
They were glad they did.
"The whole thing was a very surreal experience," Darragh said in an email. "I just felt really lucky to be there. That's something I will remember for the rest of my life."