An interview with Fr. Jeff Walker, Diocese of Toledo
As the global Church awaits the next papal conclave, Catholics in Northwest Ohio may find themselves reflecting on what it’s like to witness such a historic moment firsthand. In this special series, we’re speaking with members of the Diocese of Toledo who were in Rome during past conclaves. Their stories offer a unique window into the global Church—and remind us that moments of transition are opportunities for deeper trust in Christ.
Fr. Jeff Walker, who was then a transitional deacon studying at the Pontifical North American College, shares his memories of the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and the election of Pope Francis in 2013.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Q: Where were you and what were you doing in Rome when the news broke that Pope Benedict XVI was resigning?
Fr. Jeff Walker: I was in my room at the seminary and didn’t have class that morning. I saw a report online and said, “That can’t be true.” I checked and realized it was Vatican News, so it had to be. I started walking up and down the halls shouting for someone—eventually found a few others who were also stunned. We just consoled one another. It took us completely by surprise.
Q: What was the atmosphere like in Rome leading up to the 2013 conclave?
It was unique because we weren’t mourning a pope’s death. There was a sense of peace, closure, and even joy. I was privileged to be a deacon at Pope Benedict’s last public Mass on Ash Wednesday in St. Peter’s Basilica. We also attended his final Wednesday audience, and the affection people had for him was palpable. When the conclave drew near, you could see the world’s eyes turn to Rome—media tents went up, and the sense of excitement grew.
Q: Where were you when you saw the white smoke?
I ducked out of class early that evening—no one expected white smoke so soon. It was cold and rainy, so only a few hundred of us were there at first, hiding under the colonnade. When the white smoke appeared, I posted quickly on my flip phone—“Habemus papam!!!”—before losing all cell signal. Then I rushed into the square and ended up just 10 feet from the front barriers. Within an hour, the crowd swelled to hundreds of thousands.
Q: What was it like witnessing the “Habemus Papam” announcement?
There was so much confusion. None of us recognized the name Jorge Mario Bergoglio. People were asking, “Who?” and “What did he say?” The crowd was so noisy that we didn’t hear the name Francis immediately. A few seminarians pulled out a huge poster with the cardinals’ faces and found out he was a Jesuit from Argentina. When Pope Francis appeared and asked the crowd to pray for Pope Benedict and then for himself, there was this moment of silence. I’ll never forget how quiet that massive crowd became—it was powerful.
Q: Did that experience impact how you’ve related to Pope Francis over the years?
Absolutely. Living in Rome, I had a sense of familiarity with Pope Benedict. We saw him often. But when he stepped down, he spoke honestly about the spiritual and physical weight of the papacy. I realized I had prayed with him many times—but not for him. That changed my perspective. I committed to praying more intentionally for Pope Francis, and I think that helped me feel spiritually closer to him from the beginning.
Q: What would you say to Catholics in the Diocese of Toledo as we prepare for another conclave?
I remember Cardinal Arinze saying, “Our faith is not in the Pope—it is in Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Transitions like this—whether of a pastor, a bishop, or a pope—can feel uncertain. But our foundation is Christ. I’d also encourage people to pray for the cardinal electors. The Holy Spirit doesn’t override their free will—they need our prayers to discern well.
– Annie Lust, Diocese of Toledo
Posted May 6, 2025 at 4:25 pm