Back Story

The Power of the Pope: Steven D'Souza and the papal conclave, 2013

Steven D’Souza was there as thousands cheered, white smoke bellowed and a new pope was chosen.
Pope Francis appears on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica after being elected by the conclave of cardinals, March 13, 2013. (Reuters)

They sang, and they prayed and they waited for white smoke. The 2013 papal conclave saw thousands of Catholics and thousands of journalists from around the world travel to Vatican City to witness history and the election of a new pope. 

And when the white smoke billowed, the bells tolled out and the rain fell down, the CBC's Steven D'Souza was there.

Since that night Pope Francis has rekindled hope and for many remade the image of the church . For Steven, it marked the beginning of his career as a foreign correspondent.

This is Steven's Back Story.

Crowds cheer as newly elected Pope Francis appears on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, March 13, 2013. (Reuters)