Students Get to Learn about Process, Select 'New Pope' in Mock Conclave

By Maria-Pia Negro
U.S. Catholic
March 7, 2013

http://www.uscatholic.org/news/201303/students-get-learn-about-process-select-new-pope-mock-conclave-26987

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (CNS) -- Students from St. Louis Catholic School in Alexandria erupted in cheers as Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Turkson was elected the "new pope" during a mock conclave held at a gym-turned-"Sistine Chapel" March 4.

The "conclave" explained the pope selection process in a tangible way. Middle schoolers acted as cardinals, Swiss Guards, priests, sisters, nurses, reporters and security personnel to re-enact a conclave for the whole school.

"It was a lot of fun for them just to dress the part but they really got into it. Some even picked this or that cardinal they knew (of)," said Father Matthew H. Zuberbueler, pastor of St. Louis, which is in the Arlington Diocese. "During the selection, they were very solemn. Every word mattered."

The 34 "cardinals" of St. Louis School included well-known members of the College of Cardinals, along with representatives of all the continents. The "cardinals" spent two weeks learning about their specific role in the church and following media speculation about who was likely to replace Pope Benedict XVI.