As thousands filled the streets of Rome to bid farewell to Pope Francis, one Westchester priest stood witness — not by design, but by divine providence.

Monsignor Luke M. Sweeney of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Scarsdale was on a pilgrimage with the Archdiocese of New York when the world learned of Pope Francis’ passing.

We spoke with Monsignor Sweeney just before his return to New York to reflect on the powerful experience of honoring a pope he deeply admired — and what it meant to be present at history’s doorstep.