Milwaukee seminarian, priest enjoy ‘front row seat’ to papal transition

Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation Feb. 28 opened the “sede vacante” period in the church. This interregnum, i.e., “between reigns” of popes, is overseen by a camerlengo or “chamberlain” who safeguards the temporal goods and rights of the church. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone is serving in that role, in which he works with three other cardinals.

Milwaukee-based seminarian Nathan Miniatt and newly ordained Fr. Jacob Strand are in Rome witnessing the transition.

Standing with Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan on the rooftop of the Pontifical North American College while Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI flew to Castel Gandolfo in his helicopter is something Miniatt will not forget.

“I feel very blessed to be in Rome during this time. I was particularly moved as I attended each of the last public appearances of Pope Benedict XVI’s Wednesday audience and Sunday Angelus,” he said. “I have a great love and respect for him as a humble man who is at the same time a brilliant scholar and leading theologian of our day.”

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