Lemont, IL – May 8, 2025 — Everest Academy brought Church history to life this week with a unique, hands-on learning experience: a simulated papal conclave. In a joyful and faith-filled reenactment, students gathered to elect a pope—choosing Pope Andrew.
While some students were immersed in the conclave experience on campus, Everest’s sixth-grade class ventured downtown on a field trip to Holy Name Cathedral. During their visit, exciting news broke from Rome: the real College of Cardinals elected a new pope—Pope Leo XIV. The coincidence of both conclaves happening on the same day made the experience even more meaningful and memorable for the students.
Their visit to Holy Name Cathedral also drew the attention of several news outlets, resulting in interviews and media coverage celebrating the students’ engagement with their faith and Chicago’s rich Catholic heritage.
Click here to watch our sixth graders featured in the news. Click here to read the Washington Post article featuring our students.
From casting votes to witnessing history, it’s been a memorable day for Everest students—one filled with faith, formation, and fun.