Catholic students in western WA learn real-time lessons in faith as conclave begins

SEATTLE — A new generation of Catholics. not yet born or very young when the late Pope Francis was selected in 2013, are now immersed in a real-time lesson about their church.

Pope Francis passed away in April, leading to an ancient ritual to begin anew.

SEE ALSO | Black smoke rises from Vatican chimney on day 1 of Conclave

Now, cardinals from 70 different countries are sequestered in their conclave to choose a new pontiff.

On Wednesday, Archbishop Diego Ravelli began the conclave to elect the 267th pope, students in theology class at Kennedy Catholic High School in Burien learned more about the process to select a new pope – along with lessons in faith.

Several students were in Rome just days after Pope Francis died, so KOMO News is asking them: What did they experience and feel?

This time in the Catholic church is a combination of mourning, trepidation, and excitement over who will become the new leader of the church, which counts more than 1.4 billion parishioners worldwide.

KOMO News is sitting in on theology class at Kennedy Catholic and chatting with students and teachers about this, so please check back for more.

This story will be updated throughout the day.