Colts Neck Resident Witnesses History in Rome

Colts Neck resident and Quinnipiac University student Kimberly Weinberg was lucky enough to see the white smoke first hand.

Weinberg is currently studying abroad in Italy, living in Vatican City.

“Once I heard the conclave began on Tuesday, I knew I had to be there to witness the white smoke," Weinberg said in a post for Quinnipiac.

On Wednesday, . Bergoglio is now Pope Frances.

“Once everyone came out and it was announced that the new pope was Pope Francesco, everyone began chanting 'Viva la Papa' or 'Francesco," Weinberg wrote. “Seeing Pope Francesco on the balcony with all of the cardinals left me speechless."

During her semester in Italy, Weinberg also attended Ash Wednesday Lenten Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, just days after Pope Benedict XVI announced his retirement. The mass was Pope Emeritus Benedict's last Ash Wednesday service.

"Not only have I had the amazing opportunity to witness firsthand two popes, I witnessed the first pope to resign in 600 years, the first non-European pope and the first pope Francesco," Weinberg said in the Quinnipiac blog.

“Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever thought that my decision to spend a semester in Italy would result in me being a part of so many wonderful historical events."