Walsh University Official Attends Pope's Historic Retirement

Walsh University students and staff had a front row to history as Benedict XVI officially retired as Pope Thursday.

For Michael Cinson, director of student life at Walsh University's Rome campus who saw the resignation in person, it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime event.

"The last time a pope resigned most of the world thought our planet was flat," Cinson said in an email to North Canton Patch.

The Pope Emeritus' resignation took effect about 2 p.m. Eastern time. This leaves the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church vacant while its leading clerics consider who should succeed him, reported the New York Times.

According to the Times: Benedict left the Vatican by helicopter on Thursday afternoon to spend the final hours of his scandal-dogged papacy and the first of his retirement at a summer residence (in Castel Gandolfo) used by popes for centuries. 

Cinson was joined Thursday by a group of Walsh global learning students who are studying in Italy at the university's campus in Castel Gandolfo.

Cinson further describes the experience below in a Patch Q&A.

North Canton Patch: Did you ever think you'd have this opportunity?

Michael Cinson: No, I did not think an opportunity like this would ever arise. I thought it would be likely to see a new pope at sometime in the future, although not immediate, but I never thought we would see the pope resign. I think this is such an incredible experience and I am so happy our students have the opportunity to see first-hand such a historic event.

North Canton Patch: What was it like to see something so momentous happen right before their eyes?

Cinson: The last time a pope resigned most of the world thought our planet was flat, so to be able to witness such a historic act has been an incredible event. What is even more incredible was being able to witness the immense amount of love and support you see for the Holy Father, not only here in Castel Gandolfo, but throughout Rome. I think it took a great deal of humility and love of the the Church for the Holy Father to resign his power. By doing so, he teaches us that the Church does not belong to man, but to Jesus Christ.

North Canton Patch: What were some highlights of what you saw today? Any moments in particular that stick out? 

Cinson: Besides being there for the moment when he came to greet us and for us receiving his final public blessing as the Pope we had a wonderful time spending the afternoon together. As a group we grew and became better acquainted with one another. Not only will we take away the privilege of seeing the Pope we will take away the experience of being together as a group.

North Canton Patch: It was the Pope's big day, but Walsh University is in the spotlight, too, because you all got to witness this event. What's it like to share your experiences with big media like MSNBC, BBC and ABC?

Cinson: It was kind of surreal. We had a lot of attention all day. We were one of the first groups up in the square of Castel Gandolfo and the only other people there were media outlets, so we had a lot of attention all day. I think it is safe to say we all felt blessed to be ambassadors of Walsh to wish the Holy Father well and to let him know we love and support him.

North Canton Patch: Any plans for when the new Pope is announced? 

Cinson: We are hoping to be able to take part in as much possible. We will be going to the Vatican at various times throughout the conclave and try very hard to get to the Vatican when they announce the new pope. Traditionally, the Holy Father comes to Castel Gandolfo the week after Easter and has a public appearance on Easter Monday. Our plan is to see him at that time. We are also scheduled to go to one of the Holy Father's Wednesday audiences. However, we are all aware this could change.

North Canton Patch: Anything else you'd like to add?

Cinson: Today was a great day to be a part Walsh's Rome program. We all feel very blessed for the opportunities that Walsh and the Brothers of Christian Instruction (our founders) have given us.

Check back with North Canton Patch Saturday and Sunday for two more Q&As, this time with Walsh University students Allison Cadle and Maggie Carlson.