Students Nationwide Engage in Mock Papal Conclaves Amid Vatican Selection

The papal conclave to select the successor to Pope Francis has begun in Rome, capturing the attention of Catholics worldwide and offering a unique educational opportunity for younger generations. Across the U.S., Catholic students are engaging with the process both in real time and through hands-on simulations, such as mock conclaves held at schools in Chicago and North Texas where children dressed as cardinals and reenacted the election of a pope. At Kennedy Catholic High School in Washington, students are learning about the significance and procedures of the conclave, while the University of Dallas community is marking the occasion with prayer and study. These activities highlight a sense of excitement, anticipation, and reverence for the historic tradition, emphasizing values such as humility, kindness, and faith in leadership. Teachers and clergy note that for many young participants, this is their first experience with a papal election, making it a memorable and formative lesson about the Catholic Church. The events underscore the blend of mourning for Pope Francis and hopefulness for the future among the church's 1.4 billion followers.