We’ve all heard the saying, “at the right place at the right time.” Usually, it’s associated with something positive that happened by chance — a great job offer, a good deal or another stroke of luck. For Franklin resident Tyler Plunkett, being at the right place at the right time meant witnessing history.
On May 8, 2025, at 6:07 p.m. local time, Plunkett stood among 40,000 people as they looked skyward, then erupted in cheers as iconic white smoke billowed from the temporary chimney atop the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.
The entire world shared in the anticipation as the College of Cardinals signaled the selection of a new pope. It was a moment millions watched on television but few witnessed in person, as Robert Francis Prevost became the first American-born pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.
Plunkett and a friend had planned a trip to Rome months earlier and flew there on May 5. They had no idea they would witness such a historic event. “I’ve always been fascinated by history — specifically Rome,” Plunkett said.
They had an itinerary to follow but quickly adjusted it once conclave dates were announced. Though not Catholic, Plunkett — a Christian along with his wife and three children — recognized the moment’s significance.
The papal conclave is marked by both mourning and hope: the beloved Pope Francis had died, while millions prayed for a worthy successor. Interest in the event was heightened by the recent film *Conclave*, which cast light on this secretive yet public process.
On the conclave’s first day, Plunkett visited Rome’s many historic sites. He didn’t reach the Vatican until the next day — the right place, at the right time. The media presence underscored the moment’s gravity.
Arriving in St. Peter’s Square, the pair felt excitement and unease. “It was scary because in an emergency, there was nothing you could do — it was so crowded,” Plunkett said. After the white smoke appeared, the crowd swelled to an estimated 150,000.
“I’ve never been anywhere with so many people in what I thought was a large space. The crowd’s size and the unity the event created were incredible,” Plunkett said before returning home to Franklin.
It was his first visit to the Vatican. Earlier that day, they saw black smoke at 11:51 a.m., signaling no selection had yet been made. As the crowd grew, they considered leaving. Historically, popes had been selected on the fourth or fifth ballot — so anticipation ran high. When Plunkett saw others photographing the chimney, he looked up again.
It wasn’t smoke but two adult seagulls and a chick near the chimney. Some in the crowd and media pondered symbolism in the sighting. Then the first flumes of white smoke appeared. “It was like a scene straight out of a movie!” Plunkett said, as the crowd erupted.
Later, Plunkett reflected on the moment’s weight. Surrounded by people packed so tightly he could barely raise his arms; he found hope in the unity he saw — a contrast to the division often portrayed in news and on social media.
History had been made, and Plunkett had seen it firsthand. Though the trip was planned, fate placed him at the Vatican the moment the Catholic Church’s future began anew. For a history enthusiast, there was no better place to be — regardless of faith — as this was more than a religious moment.
Pope Leo XIV will wield global influence, as popes before him have. Millions of faithful will follow his guidance, and world leaders will seek his counsel on pressing issues. As the first American-born pope, he may especially impact the Catholic Church in the U.S., where membership has declined.
For Plunkett, the trip will always be unforgettable. Still, despite the significance of what he witnessed, he was eager to return to Franklin, where his wife, Jada, and children Jaxon, 10; Blake, 6; and Logan, 6 months, awaited his return. Being home with family, too, was the right place at the right time.
