What was a trip to Italy for conference for one of our La Crosse Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration became a once-in-a-lifetime experience .... twice.

Sister Sue Ernster had an 18-day trip to Italy planned when the unexpected passing of Pope Francis occurred. She was there when the conclave began, gathering with about 1,000 fellow sisters to learn in a nearby building.

Ernster says the City was abuzz, but the journalists Sister Sue had a chance to speak to did not have the man formerly known as Robert Prevost on their list of possible popes.

The religious conference was monitoring the conclave and the color of the smoke coming from the inner chambers of the Vatican -- which indicates whether a new pope was selected. When it emerged white, indicating the leaders chose a new pope, Sister Sue headed to the Vatican to see the "Americano" Pope Leo  emerge.

Sister Sue was eating at a restaurant the next day with a fellow Wisconsin Franciscan Sister when approached by NBC's 20/20 journalist David Muir to provide an American perspective on the Pope announcement.

Ernster spoke on WIZM's La Crosse Talk about how she believes the Holy Spirit is at work having an American Pope when the world looks to the United States.

She believes having a Pope from Chicago is inspirational for many Catholics and holds great hope for what is ahead for Pope Leo XIV.

What was a trip to Italy for conference for one of our La Crosse Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration became a once-in-a-lifetime experience .... twice.
Sister Sue Ernster had an 18-day trip to Italy planned when the unexpected passing of Pope Francis occurred. She was there when the conclave began, gathering with about 1,000 fellow sisters to learn in a nearby building.
Ernster says the City was abuzz, but the journalists Sister Sue had a chance to speak to did not have the man formerly known as Robert Prevost on their list of possible popes.
The religious conference was monitoring the conclave and the color of the smoke coming from the inner chambers of the Vatican -- which indicates whether a new pope was selected. When it emerged white, indicating the leaders chose a new pope, Sister Sue headed to the Vatican to see the "Americano" Pope Leo &nbsp;emerge.
Sister Sue was eating at a restaurant the next day with a fellow Wisconsin Franciscan Sister when approached by NBC's 20/20 journalist David Muir to provide an American perspective on the Pope announcement.
Ernster spoke on WIZM's La Crosse Talk about how she believes the Holy Spirit is at work having an American Pope when the world looks to the United States.
She believes having a Pope from Chicago is inspirational for many Catholics and holds great hope for what is ahead for Pope Leo XIV.

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM - La Crosse  Talk Interviews

WIZM’s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin.
Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at wizmnews.com and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities. Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.

WIZM&rsquo;s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin. Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at <a href="https://www.wizmnews.com/">wizmnews.com</a> and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities.&nbsp;Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.