SOUTH MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Eyes across the world were fixed on the chimney of the Sistine Chapel for white smoke, indicating the next pope was chosen on Thursday afternoon.

The historic moment has been a teaching opportunity for Catholic schools around the country, including at Divine Mercy Catholic School in South Milwaukee.

What You Need To Know

  • On Thursday, white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel

  • This indicated a new pope had been selected, right before students at Divine Mercy Catholic School in South Milwaukee were dismissed for lunch

  • Mrs. Keri Thompson, who teaches third and fourth grade at Divine Mercy, spent days teaching her students about the Papal Conclave and the selection process

  • Many of her students were fascinated with the "Room of Tears" or "Crying Room" where newly-elected popes go after being selected

“We have some really exciting news,” said Mrs. Keri Thompson, who teaches third and fourth grade. “The smoke is white!”

Gasps filled the classroom. It was news her students have been anxiously waiting for.

“So, what does that mean?” She asked her students.

They collectively shouted: “a new pope!”

It’s the first time in their lifetimes that a new pope has been elected, and the first time in history the pope is American.

“They have a lot of opinions and a lot of things they want from the new pope,” said Thompson. “We talked about how this is going to be their future. This is going to be the pope that affects their faith.”“They have a lot of opinions and a lot of things they want from the new pope,” said Thompson. “We talked about how this is going to be their future. This is going to be the pope that affects their faith.”

During class Thursday, her students talked about qualities important in the next leader of the Catholic Church.

Fourth grader Maebel Kopitzke said kindness is a top quality.

“And that they have a really strong faith with God, and they welcome all different people to come to the church,” said Kopitzke.

Thompson said her students found the selection process fascinating.

“They wanted to know what’s going on behind those closed doors,” she said.

Thompson passed out coloring packets to help them learn more about the Papal Conclave, which was Kopitzke’s favorite part.

“I really liked learning about how like all the cardinals come together and how they vote for how to pick the pope,” she said.

Thompson said learning about this process has helped her students grow closer to their faith.

“We are growing our next generation of Roman Catholics, and they are amazing. They really understand what it's about to love God and to love each other, and they demonstrate that on a daily basis,” she said.

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