San Antonio firefighter and paramedic, Gabrielle Estrada, is witnessing the historic conclave at the Vatican, hoping for a new pope before returning home.
SAN ANTONIO — As the world waits for a new Pope, a San Antonio woman is getting to witness history.
San Antonio firefighter and paramedic, Gabrielle Estrada, is on the ground at the Vatican and has a front row seat to history.
On the start of the conclave Wednesday, Estrada began her day with mass along with the cardinals.
“We watched all of them walk by and one of them that walked by is going to be the pope,” Estrada said. “I am just three to four feet away from someone who is going to be named the next pope.”
However, before the conclave began, Estrada was already in Europe for her 30th birthday trip.
“I honestly feel like I have been feeling so blessed on this trip, things just fell into place,” she said.
Weeks ago, she was there on Easter Sunday and saw Pope Francis hours before he passed away.
“I remember we were at Easter mass and we saw him and we were like wow he looks very frail,” she said.
Estrada, who works with the San Antonio Fire Department, decided to extend her trip for the conclave. It’s something the devout Catholic said she had to do.
“Faith is really just a big pillar in my life,” she said. “It is exciting and it’s cool to do something that is bigger than yourself. You are just a small part of it.”
Hours later on Wednesday night, she would see what the world saw but in person. Black smoke rose from the chimney, as no pope was elected. However, she said she does hope a new pope is elected before her Saturday flight home to San Antonio.
“I have been gone for about a month now and it’s a Mother’s Day Sunday, so I got to get back to see my mom,” she said. “My parents are like are you ever coming back.”
As for the next leader, Estrada said she would like the Pope to continue to bring unity to the church.
“To bring us forward. I am excited to see what their own unique characteristics are going to be,” said Estrada.