Photos

Cardinal Cupich visits school that held mock conclave

Cardinal Cupich visited Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy, 720 W. Belmont Ave., on June 2, 2025, to meet with the students and teachers behind the school’ s widely praised mini conclave‚ a creative and educational portrayal inspired by the papal election process. In honor of Cardinal Cupich’ s visit, the student cardinals once again wore their conclave attire and performed a brief performance, showcasing highlights from their unique learning experience. Following the reenactment, Cardinal Cupich engaged with students in a Q&A session, offered reflections on the significance of this transition for the Catholic Church, insights into the papacy of Pope Leo XIV and encouragement for the next generation of Catholic leaders. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Students dressed up as cardinals play tic-tac-toe while they wait for Cardinal Cupich’s arrival. Cardinal Cupich visited Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy on June 2, 2025, to meet with the students and teachers behind the school’ s widely praised mini conclave‚ a creative and educational portrayal inspired by the papal election process. In honor of Cardinal Cupich’ s visit, the student cardinals once again wore their conclave attire and performed a brief performance, showcasing highlights from their unique learning experience. Following the reenactment, Cardinal Cupich engaged with students in a Q&A session, offered reflections on the significance of this transition for the Catholic Church, insights into the papacy of Pope Leo XIV and encouragement for the next generation of Catholic leaders. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Cardinal Cupich waves to the students as he is introduced. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Student cardinals process to the podium to act out swearing an oath before the conclave. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Student cardinal Auggie Wilk places his vote into the chalice. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Student cardinals act out the moment they ask Wilk if he accepts his election as pope. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Cardinal Cupich watches the reenactment. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Cardinal Cupich addresses the students. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
“Pope” Auggie Wilk listens to Cardinal Cupich. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Cardinal Cupich addresses the students. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Cardinal Cupich listens to a student’s question. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Students and a teacher clap during the presentation. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
During time with just the student cardinals, Cardinal Cupich listens to a question. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Cardinal Cupich passes out small crucifixes that are replicas of that on the crosier used by Pope Leo XIV. The cardinal brought the crucifixes back from his recent visit to Rome. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
A student examines the crucifix. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Cardinal Cupich speaks with a student cardinal. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Cardinal Cupich holds up a T-shirt from the students and given to him by “Pope” Auggie Wilk. The cardinal told the students he would give the T-shirt to Pope Leo XIV. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

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