Valley Students Follow Selection of Pope

Local churches and catholic schools are following the historic process.

At Saint John's cathedral in downtown Fresno, teens headed to a night of youth activities.

It's the second time in their lifetime a new Pope has been chosen.

“Our last Pope did a pretty good job and I'm just praying our next Pope will know what to do and he's experienced, obviously,” said Yanessa Gonzalez, a teenage member of congregation.

Students at St. Helens school are keeping up with the proceedings at the Vatican watching it on t-v.

“It's not every day that you have this happen and students get to experience something special and something new,” said teacher John LeFay.

It's become part of their lessons. Kids are learning how a new Pope is elected.

“The cardinals go into one room and they pray and they can't talk to nobody and they have to vote on one Pope,” said fifth grader Aaliya Gavia.

After the ballots are counted, the papers are burned.

And all eyes are on the chimney to see what color smoke comes out.

“If the smoke comes out black we don't have a pope and if it comes out white we do have a Pope,” said third grader Kambia Kindig.

These young scholars expect it will take a couple of days.

They're eager to see who the new Pope will be. 

“We need to pick a Pope fast or we won't have anybody,” said Leah Acosta, a third grader.

“Because then we have someone leading our church and telling us we should follow God more,” said third grader Paige Rippeon.