The papal conclave is one of the most visible and sacred moments in the life of the Church. It isn’t just for theologians or adults watching EWTN—this is a teachable moment for Catholic families, including preschoolers and kindergartners. While they may not understand every detail, they can learn to appreciate what it means that the pope is the successor of Peter, that the Holy Spirit guides the Church, and that we are united under one visible shepherd.

This post offers a step-by-step guide to help you:

• Teach your children what a conclave is

• Use age-appropriate books and resources

• Incorporate meaningful crafts and hands-on activities

• Pray together as a family during the election of a pope

Whether a conclave is actually happening or not, this is a timeless part of Catholic identity—and it’s worth passing on well.

1. Understanding the Papal Conclave: What It Is and Why It Matters

A papal conclave occurs when the See of Peter is vacant—either after the pope dies or resigns. Cardinals from around the world gather in the Sistine Chapel. They pray, discern, and vote until one man receives the necessary two-thirds majority. White smoke signals a successful election; black smoke signals no decision.

Why it matters for kids:
This is how we receive our new Holy Father. The pope is the visible head of the Church on earth, guiding Catholics around the world. Teaching kids about the pope helps them see that the Church is bigger than their parish—it's universal and deeply rooted in history.

How to explain it to young children:

“When we need a new pope, bishops called cardinals go to a special chapel and pray. Then they vote and wait for the Holy Spirit to help them choose the next pope.”

2. Read the book We Have a Pope by Katherine Bogner

One of the clearest, most family-friendly resources on the papacy is Katherine Bogner’s book: We Have a Pope. It’s beautifully illustrated and begins with Jesus appointing Peter, then walks through the history of the papacy and the steps of a modern conclave. It’s factual, reverent, and accessible without dumbing things down.

NOTE: The hardcover is currently out of stock but if you buy the Kindle version you will have immediate access!

How to use it:

• Read a few pages each morning for a week.

• Pause to talk through any questions your kids ask.

• Use the illustrations to visually reinforce each stage of the conclave.

This book provides a solid foundation for further activities.

3. Listen and Learn Together: Cuddle Up: Catholic Storytime

For those of you who love read alouds, you can actually listen to Katherine read her book, We Have a Pope on the podcast Cuddle Up: Catholic Storytime!

You can find it here!

4. Make the Conclave Visual: Free Paper Chimney Smoke Craft

To bring the conclave to life, use our FREE Conclave Smoke Paper Craft from the Catholic Creativity Corner.

It includes:

• A printable Sistine Chapel chimney

• Black and white “smoke” flaps

• Simple instructions to simulate the voting process

Use it for role-play or storytelling:

• Have your kids pretend to be cardinals voting

• Switch between black and white smoke to reflect voting rounds

• When white smoke appears, say together: “Habemus Papam!” (We have a Pope!)

This makes the abstract visible and concrete—perfect for young children.

5. Create a Paper Chain of Popes (Peter to Today)

This visual craft shows the unbroken succession from St. Peter to the current pope. Each link in the chain is a pope’s name.

Instructions:

• Cut strips of white paper.

• Write the name of each pope (you can find printable lists online or just do a handful if your children are young).

• Staple or glue them into a chain, starting with St. Peter.

• Finish with the name of the current pope.

Optional: If there is a conclave going on, leave the final strip blank until the next pope is announced.

Hang the chain in your homeschool area or on a family prayer wall. It’s a powerful, visible reminder that the Church has remained unified for over 2,000 years.

6. Teach the Terms: Building Vocabulary Together

Introduce a few important words each day and explain them in clear terms:

• Pope – The leader of the Church, the successor of St. Peter.

• Cardinal – A bishop who helps lead the Church and elects the pope.

• Conclave – The meeting where cardinals vote for the new pope.

• White Smoke – A new pope has been chosen.

• Black Smoke – No decision yet.

• Sistine Chapel – The beautiful room where the voting happens.

Write each term on index cards and include the definitions on the back, or turn them into a simple matching game. These visuals and repeated explanations will help young children absorb the concepts with ease.

7. Pray to the Holy Spirit as a Family

The entire conclave is built on prayer. Help your children see that we’re not just watching a historical event—we’re called to pray for the cardinals and for the next pope.

Prayers you can use:

• “Come, Holy Spirit” each morning (even one line is enough for younger children)

• Pray a decade of the Rosary for wisdom and unity in the Church

• Offer your family Mass or Adoration time “for the next pope”

• Ask for the intercession of St. Peter and St. John Paul II

Even simple phrases like,

“Holy Spirit, guide the cardinals."

Make a habit of including this in your morning basket or evening prayer routine during the week you're focusing on the conclave.

8. Celebrate the Announcement: Habemus Papam!

Once white smoke appears, it’s time to mark the moment! Whether in real life or just as part of your lesson, this celebration can be simple but memorable.

Ways to mark the occasion:

• Ring a bell or light a candle

• Watch the “Habemus Papam” video from a previous conclave on YouTube

• Eat white-themed snacks (popcorn, yogurt, white chocolate)

• Sing the Gloria together as a family

• Have kids draw pictures of the new pope

You can also write a letter or draw a picture to send to the Vatican—help your child see the pope as a real person who prays for them, and whom they can pray for in return.

9. Keep It Manageable: One Activity at a Time

You don’t need to do everything at once. If you’re working with toddlers and preschoolers, choose one craft, one prayer, and one reading for the week. Repetition builds understanding.

Sample 3-Day Plan:

Day 1:

• Read We Have a Pope

• Do the Conclave Smoke Craft

• Pray “Come, Holy Spirit” together

Day 2:

• Add links to your Pope Paper Chain

• Learn the words “conclave” and “pope”

• Watch part of the Sistine Chapel tour online

Day 3:

• Practice saying “Habemus Papam”

• Pray for the new pope

• Have a white-themed snack and mini celebration

   

Final Thoughts

The papal conclave is a reminder that the Church is alive, visible, and led by the Holy Spirit. It is not too complex for children when taught with clarity, visuals, and prayer.

When you take the time to:

• Read an age-appropriate book like We Have a Pope,

• Involve your kids in hands-on crafts like our free Conclave Smoke Paper Craft,

• And ground your activities in prayer

Let this be an opportunity to not just learn about the conclave—but to live it, pray through it, and celebrate the Church as a family.