ATLANTA, Ga. - One Georgia couple was actually at the Vatican when the new pope was announced.

Chase Adams and Sandra Padilla were on their honeymoon in Italy when they heard news of white smoke pouring from the Sistine Chapel chimney.

“We were one town over,” Adams said.

The newlyweds walked 25 minutes to St. Peter’s Square — joining a sea of people eagerly waiting to see who the new pontiff would be.

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“I think it was something pretty spectacular. I mean, I keep using the word ‘serendipity,’” Adams said. “It’s a very awe-inspiring experience to witness in person.”

At first, Adams thought it was a joke.

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“No American person had ever been pope before, so I thought people were incorrect, but then once we got the confirmation, I immediately was like, ‘This is freaking awesome. America, we need this.’ I was very happy,” he said.

Padilla and Adams joined the roar of applause and cheers as Leo XIV emerged on the balcony.

“People were super happy about it and were congratulating me as well as an American citizen,” Adams went on.

“It was a very cool experience,” Padilla added.

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