‘It feels like a gift’: Nebraskan training for the priesthood witnessing history in Rome

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A Nebraska native is studying to become a priest in Rome, and he is witnessing a transition in the papacy firsthand.

The Rev. Joseph Wahlmeier is studying at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, specializing in biblical theology.

He said the papacy of Pope Francis meant a lot to him because of how their paths lined up.

“On a personal level, I actually decided to go to seminary the day that Pope Francis was elected,” Wahlmeier said. “All this time later, to get to be there for his final moments, it feels like a gift to me to be a part of his papacy.”

He described how it felt to be in Rome for the pope’s passing and how the death of a pope can unify the more than 1 billion Catholics across the globe.

“It’s almost like all roads lead to Rome again,” said Wahlmeier. “That’s kind of a normal thing in Rome, but it feels different when everyone is there for one purpose.”

SEE ALSO: ‘Champion of the poor’: Lincoln nonprofit says Pope Francis’ legacy lives on in its work

The Hastings native also talked about what it was like to visit the pope’s casket.

“It was very moving to see all of the lines, the people that came with their family and friends,” he said. “They staggered us into the basilica, so it wasn’t a crowd of people viewing him; it was more intimate.”

He said the legacy that Pope Francis left behind is evident in the amount of support he is getting around the world.

“Pope Francis emphasized closeness,” Wahlmeier said. “I think the closeness that the original church saw with Jesus, you can see that with the pope. Getting to see the pope in his final moments brings us closer to him, brings us closer to God.”

SEE ALSO: Lincoln Catholics gather to pay homage to Pope Francis at Memorial Mass

Looking forward, Wahlmeier said he is excited to see what the next pope brings to the table.

“The Italians have a wonderful saying,” he said. “After a fat pope, there’s a skinny one.”

Wahlmeier said that you never know what the next pope is going to be like, but he expects to be surprised and to get to know the pope along with all the other Catholics in the world.

But Wahlmeier also expressed how excited he is to get back to Lincoln, as this is his last semester in Rome.

“I can’t wait to watch a Husker football game at a normal time during the day,” he said.

SEE ALSO: Lincoln bishop chimes in on Catholic Church’s future post-Pope Francis