SHAWANO, WI- Students at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Shawano were part of a historic moment on Thursday as they watched the live coverage of the election of Pope Leo XIV. The event sparked both excitement and curiosity among the students, who learned about the significant process and symbolism surrounding the papal conclave and the pope’s name change.
Teachers used the event as a teaching opportunity to explore the role of the pope, the process of the papal election, and the tradition of taking a new name upon becoming pope. Even second graders in Paula Kundinger’s class watched closely as the event was on in the classroom.
“There’s your new Pope guys,” Kundinger said as Pope Leo XIV made his first public appearance.
“I think it is now part of their history and it’s exciting just seeing how the Pope was elected from their point of view,” Kundinger said. “They are old enough to understand now.”
Fourth graders had questions, with some wondering why the pope changes his name and how one becomes pope in the first place. Mack Shingler answered these questions by explaining that, just as Simon became Peter in the Bible, the new pope takes on a new name as a sign of spiritual transformation and calling.
“Just like in the Bible, when someone takes on a new mission, they often receive a new name—it’s a symbol of transformation,” one teacher shared, connecting the tradition to the story of Peter, the first pope. The class revisited the story of Peter’s denial of Jesus
“Jesus forgave Peter and gave him a new purpose,” a teacher explained. “In the same way, the new pope’s name symbolizes a new mission and transformation in his faith journey.”
The news of an American pope, Pope Leo XIV, filled students with pride and surprise, as many had never expected someone from the United States to lead the global Church. Students walked the halls excited to see the first American Pope. School leaders hope the experience will deepen the students’ understanding of their faith and the global Catholic community.
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