Since the Pope sadly died, the children at St William's have taken a very keen interest in the process of election of a new Pope. During an assembly, we discussed what would happen in the coming weeks. The children then asked lots of questions and we researched to try and answer them in as much detail as possible.  After the Bank holiday weekend, we followed the Cardinals in their preparation for the votes and prayed that the Holy Spirit would guide them in this big decision. Even our youngest children were able to explain that white smoke would be indicative that a new Pope had been chosen. We waited on Thursday, watching videos live from the Vatican in the background of our lessons. As the black smoke emerged, the children explained that the Cardinals would have to vote again. We had children in school that did not want to leave in case they missed the next vote. On the Friday, there was great joy in school as the children came rushing in asking questions about Pope Leo. 

It has been heartwarming to see the excitement about our faith and the interest in which the children have shown. It became more real life when Father Embery, our Parish Priest, brought in two costumes- a Pope and a Swiss Guard. This prompted questions from all year groups, but interestingly the most profound questions came from some of our Reception children aged 4 and 5. All children in the school have completed work about this significant event in their RE books. 

I have attached some of the pictures that we took of the children that were able to fit in the costumes. They are taken in or around our Parish Church and our school.