Learning about the Papal Election

            When Pope John Paul II was elected, I was a toddler.  When Pope Benedict XVI was elected, I had a 6 year old, who was in kindergarten, and a three year old, a two year old, and an eight week old at home with me.  Though I clearly remember Pope JPII’s death and funeral, I remember very little of the papal election that followed.   

          I do remember hearing the names of possible new popes.  And, I remember hoping and praying for Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger.  I remember feeling happy and filled with peace that he was the new Pope, but I don’t remember watching for the white smoke, or hearing the announcement “Habemus Papam.” 

            This time, (though I am a little sad that Pope Benedict is retiring) I am very anxiously awaiting the exhilaration of hearing the announcement that, “We have a Pope!”  I have spent the last few days learning all that I can about the process and preparing lessons to share it all with my children.    

           My children and I sat down this morning surrounded by things I had printed off from the computer and we talked about the conclave, the College of Cardinals, and the procedures for electing and installing a new pope.  We looked at pictures of St. Peter’s square and I pointed out the Sistine Chapel where the conclave will take place and where our new Pope will be chosen.  It is all very exciting and there is so much to learn! 

            Some of the resources we came across were so fabulous I just had to share….  So here is a list of the resources that my children and I found most helpful:

• How a Pope is elected, an interactive slideshow: 

 http://vaticaninsider.lastampa.it/en/the-vatican/come-si-elegge-il-papa/

• A Papal Unit Study-- found on "Shower of Roses" blog

 http://showerofroses.blogspot.com/2013/02/papal-unit-study.html

• A diagram of Papal Vestements

http://www.infovisual.info/06/070_en.html

• 2 articles on Papal elections and history--
  found on "In the Heart of my Home" blog

 http://pflaum.com/jpii/elect.pdf

 http://pflaum.com/jpii/didyou.pdf

• Super cute crafts and activities for kids of all ages

 http://www.catholicinspired.com/2013/02/learning-about-election-of-new-pope.html

• Adopt a Cardinal to pray for

 http://adoptacardinal.org/