Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Morning Edition
Cathy Wurzer and Heidi Raschke

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

smoke out of a chimney
White smoke billows from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel during the conclave to elect a new pope, at the Vatican on Thursday.
AP Photo | Andrew Medichini

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

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.”

Related content

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.