Catholic students watch conclave

ROBERTSDALE, Ala. (WALA) - The news of a new pope is a momentous occasion in the Catholic Church. For many young catholic school students, it was their first chance to witness this ageless tradition.

CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS WATCH CONCLAVE

Seventh graders at St Patrick’s Catholic School in Robertsdale were glued to the papal coverage this afternoon.

 “It’s pretty cool,” student Eli Briars said.

Each one of Danielle Gorney’s students was completely engaged with the election of a new pope. They asked plenty of questions, although many already knew a lot about the process.

“Anything that is a real life situation that they can get the information about, they soak it up so quickly,” Gorney said.

TEACHABLE MOMENT

It’s the ultimate teachable moment for a catholic teacher.

“This is one of these moments that these kids will always remember where they were when this pope was elected,” Gorney told us. “They were in the seventh grade classroom here at St. Patrick's. So it’s a special moment for all of us to have that together.”

The 12 and 13 year olds in Gorney’s classroom have grown up in a time of high technology. The ageless election of a pope with smoke signals and tradition fascinates them.

Student Elizabeth Halliday said, “I like how they give the smoke signals to know if they’ve picked one or not.”

Student Rain Bill told us, “I just found out a few minutes ago. Basically, it’s just an exciting process.”

YOUTH CARRYING ON THE TRADITION

And it’s the excitement of these youngsters that carries on the tradition of the Catholic Church.

 “It’s just wonderful, and it shows how strong the Catholic Church still is today and so relevant in the lives of all these young people,” Gorney said.