‘I think it’s a cool choice’: Kitchener high school students react to the new pope

Students in Kitchener, Ont. held their own mock conclave to choose a new pontiff. CTV’s Heather Senoran finds out what they think of Pope Leo XIV.

The election of a new pope was followed closely by people around the world, including high school students in Waterloo Region, who learned firsthand what the conclave process is like.

About 60 students at Resurrection Catholic High School in Kitchener took part in a mock conclave. Some were assigned to be cardinals and others had roles like guards.

“We campaigned for about 10 minutes before a gong struck and we had to sit down at our spots and in silence we wrote down the names of who we wanted to be pope. We couldn’t vote for ourselves,” said Terry Kennedy, a Grade 9 student.

It helped students prepare for the real deal where Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected to be the new pope.

“I think it’s a cool choice because we’ve never really had an American pope before, so I’m kind of excited to see what he’s able to bring to the Vatican,” said Grade 12 student Tianna Smith.

Experts believe it is a choice many North Americans should be pleased with.

“They’ll be happy to see a North American because of the ease that there can be communication. Not every pope has had facility in English,” said Jacqueline Murray, a professor at the University of Guelph.

Local students watched in awe at all of the excitement before the announcement. For all of these students, they were young children for the last conclave.

“I loved seeing how emotional everyone was,” said Smith.

The teens learned the weight of this important decision.

“It is a pretty big deal because the pope’s the head of the biggest religious organization in the world and has a lot of influence,” said Grade 12 student Gabe Snyder.

The real conclave wrapped up earlier than it has in the past. Many didn’t know how long this one was going to go.

“Two days. That’s remarkable when you think back into history in the 13th century. And that was a commonplace that lasted three years,” said Murray.

The high school students offered their thoughts on what makes a good pope.

“I think a pope that is very intellectual and very emotionally intelligent as well,” said Smith.

“Mainly being able to balance tradition and new traditions,” said another student.

Many students are excited to see what Pope Leo XIV will do with his time in his new role.