Amongst the crowd gathered yesterday in St. Peter’s Square to witness the announcement of the next pope, stood several Temple students studying abroad in Rome who were able to witness the historic event first hand.

Several of these students spoke to The Temple News about their experiences, sharing tales of crying, cheering, and sheer excitement after the white smoke began pouring out of the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel.

If Mike Madeja, who is spending his spring semester at Temple Rome could describe the event in one word, it would be “surreal.”

The conclave, which ended on March 13 after just two days and five rounds of voting, elected Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina to become Pope Francis.

The conclave was scheduled following the stunning resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on Feb. 28.

Two Temple students in the square, identified only as Mike and Mark, were interviewed on national television by NBC News.

For the complete story and more student testimonies, check the print copy of The Temple News on Tuesday, March 19.

John Moritz can be reached at john.moritz@temple.edu, or on Twitter @JCMoritzTU.