BRUNSWICK

Most St. John’s Catholic School students were on the bus, as usual, at about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. Just about the time that the white smoke went up from the Sistine Chapel, announcing that the Catholic cardinals had selected a new pope.

“A parent came in and told us about the white smoke,” said Debbie Hinds, who works in the advancement office at St. John’s. “The principal made an announcement and asked the children to listen to their car radios and watch on TV when they got home. She was very excited that this was a great time for Catholic people and our school.”

Later, when the world knew that Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was the new pope, Principal Deb Goehring made sure she connected with the students who were on the bus, and their families. In an email, Goehring wrote:

“As we celebrate the election of our new Pope, Pope Francis I, we offer our prayers asking God to guide and protect him, as he leads the Catholic peoples of the world. I ask that you reinforce with your children, the great importance of this event for us as Catholics, and how this will give renewed faith and hope for the continuing future of the Catholic church and all the peoples of the world.”

While St. John’s students were headed home, teachers and staff were glued to the images and information streaming in on their computers. There were anxious moments — such as the moment the new pope stepped onto the balcony.

“When they opened the door, the feed stopped for like 30 seconds,” Hinds said.

Hinds said she was surprised with the choice, yet fully supportive.

“From what I’ve read about him he’s very humble, and he cares very much for the poor,” she said.

Marie Maderal, who works in the administrative office, said that happiness and excitement abounded following the announcement.

“Everyone was excited,” Maderal said. “They loved the name he chose, Francis. For a while, we didn’t know it if was for Francis of Assisi, or Xavier. Then we found out it was Assisi.”

lgrard@timesrecord.com