On a crisp Tuesday evening in Vatican City, the air in St. Peter’s Square was electric with anticipation. A unique group of visitors from Chicago—students of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy—were preparing for an experience that most could only dream of: attending a papal audience with Pope Leo XIV, their very own hometown pontiff. The adventure, which began at O’Hare Airport with Cardinal Blase Cupich by their side, had already taken these students across Rome’s storied streets, through ancient basilicas, and into the heart of Catholic tradition.
This wasn’t just any school trip. These children, affectionately dubbed the “Conclave Kids,” had sparked international attention earlier in the year with a class project that went viral. Back in May 2025, they staged a mock conclave at their school, donning cardinal costumes and playfully stepping into the shoes of church leaders. Their imaginative reenactment quickly caught the eye of the Vatican, setting into motion a series of events that would land them in the Eternal City itself.
“I get emotional when I think about it,” confessed Allison Foerster, a teacher at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy, as she reflected on the journey. She and her fellow educators had never imagined that a simple class project would lead to such an extraordinary opportunity. “We have no expectation of what will happen. We are just coming in faith and in joy to be in his presence and see what happens.”
For the students, the trip was already the adventure of a lifetime. Fifth-grader Max Schnakenberg, just 10 years old, marveled at how quickly things had escalated from classroom fun to an audience with the pope. “They were like ‘Hey guys, we’re going to make our own conclave and now, ‘Hey, we’re going to meet the pope.’ Like, that’s a big jump,” Max said, his voice full of disbelief and excitement.
Tuesday, October 7, 2025, saw the children exploring the wonders of Rome. They walked the Spanish Steps, tossed coins into the Trevi Fountain, and gazed up at the Pantheon’s ancient dome. For students Cameron Smith and Augie Wilk, the field trip was nothing short of surreal. “I think this is the best field trip for school I’ve ever took,” said Augie, while Cameron added, “A different country field trip is kind of unreal.”
Of course, no trip to Italy would be complete without sampling the local delicacies. “A day and a quarter and four gelatos,” Cameron reported, while Augie boasted, “I’ve been here for three days, and I had 12 gelatos.” Their laughter and awe seemed to echo through the cobbled streets, a testament to the joy of discovery and the thrill of being far from home.
On Monday, October 6, the students had a chance to immerse themselves in the city’s religious history with a special tour of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. There, they saw the tomb of Paul the Apostle—an experience that left an indelible mark on many. “Coming here to Rome is insane itself. Meeting the pope is a whole other level,” said Max Schnakenberg, summing up the group’s collective astonishment.
In preparation for their big day, the group visited Gammarelli’s, the official tailor of the pope, where they picked out real cardinal socks to wear with their costumes. Augie, ever the joker, mused, “It’s a pope hat that I might be able to trade with the real pope for his hat.” On Wednesday, October 8, at 10 a.m. local time, they would don these costumes and stand among the faithful in St. Peter’s Square, ready to see Pope Leo XIV in person.
For these Chicago students, the journey had been fast and full of surprises. What started as a playful classroom exercise had blossomed into a pilgrimage, complete with gelato, sightseeing, and the rare privilege of being in the presence of the leader of the Catholic Church. “They’re really looking forward to just being a part of the experience. We know that no matter what, we get to see him and that in itself feels like such a gift,” said Foerster, capturing the spirit of gratitude that permeated the group.
The excitement wasn’t limited to the students. Cardinal Blase Cupich, who accompanied the group from Chicago, was a steady presence, guiding the children through the city’s labyrinthine streets and helping them appreciate the significance of their journey. The entire experience was a whirlwind—a testament to how faith, community, and a little bit of creativity could open doors to the extraordinary.
Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV himself was making headlines in Vatican City. On Monday, he demonstrated his playful side by showing off his catching skills during a special greeting for Croatian pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square. The Chicago native, whose election earlier in the year had already made waves back home, was now preparing for his first foreign trip as pontiff. According to ABC News, the Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo XIV will travel to Turkey and Lebanon in late November into December 2025—a significant diplomatic move that will be watched closely by Catholics and political observers alike.
Back in Rome, the anticipation among the “Conclave Kids” was palpable. Would they get more than just a glimpse of the Holy Father? Would their viral story lead to a personal meeting? No one could say for sure. But as Foerster put it, “We have no expectation of what will happen. We are just coming in faith and in joy to be in his presence and see what happens.”
As the sun set over the Vatican’s iconic dome, the students from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy settled in for the night, dreaming of what the next day would bring. Their journey was a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary adventures begin with a simple idea—and a willingness to embrace the unknown. For these young Chicagoans, their Roman holiday had already reached heavenly heights, and the memories would surely last a lifetime.
