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Ever heard the word conclave and thought, “Wait—what’s that?” You’re not alone! In this special series, this fun, kid-friendly Catholic podcast! Discover how conclaves work, why cardinals meet in the Sistine Chapel, and what the black and white smoke really means. Perfect for grades 2–7, homeschool families, and Catholic educators.
Ishara gets the help of Father Ron from St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church, we’ll explore the history, traditions, and behind-the-scenes secrets of one of the most important—and most hidden—events in the Catholic Church.
In Part 1, we dive into the basics: What is a conclave, and why do all the cardinals meet in the Sistine Chapel to choose a new pope? Father Ron explains why they actually get locked inside (yep, really!) and how this tradition has been around for centuries.
Then, join us for Part 2, where we uncover how the voting works (spoiler: there’s paper involved!) and what’s really going on with that famous white and black smoke coming from the chimney. From secret ballots to ancient rituals, get ready for some surprising facts and cool history—this is church history like you’ve never heard it before!
You can also watch this episode on Ishara’s YouTube channel—don’t miss it!

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