COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A central Ohio priest was in Rome for the last several months of Pope Francis' life and is still there as the papal conclave takes place.
“I consider myself very blessed to be here during this time, and to be able to see him," said Fr. Adam Streitenberger, chaplain and executive director of the St. Thomas More Newman Center.
He has been in Rome this semester working on his doctorate. He arrived in mid-December. He was writing his dissertation when he found out Pope Francis had died.
Conclave to choose the new pope will be the most geographically diverse in history“I was really kind of stunned even though we knew his health was fragile, I did not really think that we would lose him. So I think that was very moving," Streitenberger said.
When Pope Francis was hospitalized earlier this year, Streitenberger prayed for him with others from St. Peter's Square. He was also in the square when the pope gave his Easter blessing the day before he died. Streitenberger went and viewed the pope's body and was at the funeral mass.
"I think Francis was uniquely able to be very comfortable around the poor and the marginalized. Not that, again, other popes haven't been, but I think he was very intentional about that," Streitenberger said.
Streitenberger remains in Rome as 133 cardinals elect the next pope at the Vatican.
“I also think the next pope has a huge task before him. I mean every pope it's a difficult task, but the church I think, is very divided, and so he’s going to have to be a man who everyone can get behind," Streitenberger said.
Intel reaffirms commitment to division behind its New Albany plantHe said Pope Francis will be remembered for how humble he was as well as his ability to reach out to younger generations and those less fortunate. He hopes to see some of those same qualities in the next pope.
“All popes should be of the people. I think Francis has taught future popes that it’s an essential part of the job description," he said.
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