Visitation Academy Prepares for Papal Conclave

Photo Courtesy: Debbie Pagano

Students from Visitation Academy in Paramus participated in a mock conclave, under the direction of middle school teacher Mrs. L. Flager. The students researched a random selection of nine cardinals and just like the actual conclave, votes were submitted, read aloud and counted. After five rounds a new student-elected Pope was not determined and the conclave convened until the next day. White and black “smoke” was displayed in the classroom window after each round.

This project was inspired by a visit from CBS local and national news teams who came to the school to film the reactions of the students as they viewed the departure of the retiring Pontiff from the Vatican.