David Rodríguez Martín (England, 1986) did not conceal his delight upon witnessing the historic moment that unfolded at 6:13 pm – Hora Canaria – when Cardinal Protodiácono, Dominique Mamberti, announced to the globe: “Habemus Papam.”
Previously, until last August, the youth-vocational pastoral delegate of the diocese of Tenerife relocated to Rome eight months ago to commence the first of two courses in moral theology at the Alfonsian Pontifical Academy.
During the Episcopal Planning and the induction of Eloy Cabrera into the diocese of Tenerife, he extended his stay on the island after the celebration of Holy Week before returning to his studies in Rome, using the time to assist in preparations for the new prelate’s arrival.
Upon returning to the Eternal City and coinciding with the start of the conclave, David ventured to the Plaza de San Pedro on Wednesday afternoon, coinciding with the initial fumata, which was, as expected, black.
On Thursday morning, he sharpened his studies and in the afternoon returned to the Plaza de San Pedro accompanied by approximately twenty fellow students from the Spanish school, including the clergy from the diocese of Canaria, Juan and Gerardo, who are also studying in Rome; one focused on moral theology while Gerardo is pursuing jurisprudence.
When hope had almost faded, trusting to wait for the second vote on Thursday afternoon, the Plaza de San Pedro erupted with joy at the white smoke that emerged from the chimney at 6:08 p.m. The crowd, previously scattered across the Plaza de San Pedro, began racing towards the nearest section of the facade amidst cheers and applause, accompanied by the jubilant performance of the Carabinieri band.
Eloy Cabrera, during his inauguration as bishop of Tenerife on May 1. / Andrés Gutiérrez
David shares his account minutes after the Fumata Blanca and in a subsequent phone call after greeting the new Pope, Leo XIV. «I feel privileged; I recall the first time I experienced a family event while studying at university, following it through the media; the second time, I watched it on a screen in the Diocesan Assembly Hall, and now, I am here in the Plaza de San Pedro.»
David is the second of three siblings – the “sandwich” of the family, he jokes – from a family that left La Palma in search of a more prosperous future. His father, a farmer, has worked as a cook in England, just like his mother, who was also involved in catering.
At three and a half years old, David returned to La Palma, which is where his family originates. “I belong to the parish of Los Remedios in Llanos de Aridane, although I was baptised in Tijarafe,” he clarifies.
After completing his university studies in business and seeking clarity for his question: “What compels the religious to live this way?” in reference to the daughters of the Sagrada Familia who ran the school in Los Llanos where he learned his early letters, he entered the seminary and was ordained in 2015. A decade later, he personally witnessed the arrival of Pope Leo XIV.
Elation for the Pope “who encourages us to be builders of peace”
«With immense joy, the Nivariense church welcomes the appointment of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevostino, Agustino, as the new successor of Peter, who has taken the name Leo XIV. We share in the joy of the Universal Church as we receive a new shepherd to guide us on the path of peace, as expressed in his inaugural words,” noted Monsignor Eloy Cabrera, who was ordained as Bishop just nine days ago and took charge of the diocese of Tenerife.
In addition to wishing the pontiff “a fruitful ministry,” Monsignor Cabrera echoed the sentiments of the new Pope Leo XIV, who emphasised “the evangelising mission of the Church, to convey a message of joy, and to live in a synodal church.” In particular, he highlighted the invitation to «be builders of peace, as the Lord asks us in the beatitudes. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.»
