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Title: Who Should Be the Successor to Pope Francis? An Engaging Lesson on Papal Authority and Leadership

Overview:
Dive into the significant role of the Pope and the process of papal succession with this interactive one-hour lesson designed for Key Stage 3/BGE students. This engaging resource explores the essential concepts of papal infallibility and papal primacy, the historical significance of St. Peter as the first Pope, and features a dynamic mini conclave activity that allows students to assume the roles of cardinals in selecting a candidate for the next Pope.

Key Features:

Historical Context:
This lesson provides a captivating introduction to St. Peter’s role as the first Pope, setting the stage for understanding the evolution of the papacy and its significance in global Catholicism.

Core Concepts of Papal Authority:
Through student-friendly explanations, the lesson covers:

Papal Infallibility: Understanding the conditions under which the Pope is considered to speak without error in matters of faith and morals.
Papal Primacy: Exploring the significance of the Pope’s supreme authority over the Catholic Church and its impact on church governance.
Potential Successors Fact files:
Students will research and create fact files on eight prominent Cardinals, highlighting their backgrounds, qualifications, and potential as successors. This section encourages critical thinking about what qualities are essential for papal leadership.

Interactive Mini Conclave Activity:
Students will participate in a simulated conclave where they select a successor to Pope Francis. They will engage in group discussions, evaluate candidates, and vote, mirroring the actual processes that occur in Rome. This hands-on experience fosters collaboration and deeper understanding of the papal election process.

Plenary Discussion:
The lesson concludes with a reflective discussion, allowing students to articulate their reasons for choosing a particular candidate and the implications of their choices, linking back to the concepts of infallibility and primacy.