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The Diocese of Lincoln priest, who’s studying Biblical theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, witnessed it in St. Peter’s Square, in the third row of the large crowd that had gathered there to see the new leader of the Catholic Church.

“It just really felt magical,� Wahlmeier, who grew up near Hastings, said in a phone interview.

He said people were looking up at the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, which was also displayed on videoboards, because a few birds landed near it.

“There's a little baby chick, and the little mama bird gave some food to the chick, and everyone was ooh-ing and aah-ing at that. And then all of a sudden, white smoke," Wahlmeier said, referring to the smoke signal the cardinals voting in the conclave send out to alert the crowd they've elected a pope. "So it's just the whole place erupted, and everyone pushed to the front."

He said hearing chants of “Papa Leone" and seeing the entire church come together to celebrate the new pontiff, who started his address to the crowd by saying "peace be with you" in Italian, moved him. 

“We were surrounded by people from all over the world, Catholics from every place, all of them, sending up their prayers in their own languages,� said Wahlmeier, who will be returning to Nebraska soon to be the pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church in Davey and instructor in theology and classical languages at St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward.

Diocese of Lincoln Bishop James Conley said he was first surprised the cardinals elected an American, but then felt hope and joy because of the speed at which they picked Prevost.

“Since it happened so quickly, to me, it's a signal that the Holy Spirit raised up somebody very quickly to be the next pope,� he said.

Conley said he believes the cardinals elected an American — despite a taboo against electing a pope from the U.S. given the geopolitical power the country already wields — partly because of Americans' pragmatic approach to solving problems. One of the issues Conley raised is the Vatican’s ongoing financial issues.

“​​Maybe they thought an American would be able to fix that part of it at least,� he said.

Conley said Prevost choosing Leo as his papal name is a possible signal of how he’ll lead the church. The last pope with that name, Pope Leo XIII, who led the church from 1878 to 1903, was a champion of Catholic social teachings.

“He emphasized in his opening remarks the importance of bringing the message of peace and justice to the world. And I think that's probably going to be maybe part of his emphasis, to carry on the legacy of Leo XIII,� Conley said.

Omaha Archbishop Michael McGovern, who was just installed Wednesday, said the archdiocese is planning a special Mass of Thanksgiving for the election of Leo XIV, which will be announced in the coming days.

“I look forward to strengthening the bonds of the Church in Omaha with the Universal Church as Pope Leo takes up the Petrine ministry,� McGovern said in a news release.

Gov. Jim Pillen and Sen. Pete Ricketts, both Catholics, released statements Thursday after Leo XIV was elected, calling it a historic moment. 

“This is a historic moment for the Catholic Church — and an opportunity for Christians across the planet to reflect on our faith and the ultimate love of Jesus Christ. Suzanne and I join believers around our state and world as we welcome and pray for Pope Leo XIV," Pillen said. 

“I am amazed by this historic moment to witness the first ever American Pope," Ricketts said. "I pray for the Holy Father Leo XIV and look forward to a long-lasting pontificate."