Habemus Papam! The first American Pope is introduced in Latin

On Thursday, May 8^th, white smoke from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney signaled the first-ever election of an American pope. We’ve created this fun and simple class activity for your students to analyze the traditional Latin announcement of a new pope, understand its grammatical structure, and explore the enduring significance of Latin in global modern contexts.

Lesson Overview

Grade Level: Latin 1, 2, 3, 4, AP (can be modified to fit language level)
Duration: 1–2 class periods
Objective: Students will analyze the traditional Latin announcement of a new pope, understand its grammatical structure, and explore the enduring significance of Latin in modern ecclesiastical contexts.

Materials

• Handout with text of the “Habemus Papam” announcement for Pope Leo XIV and latin phrases from the Papal Conclave.
• Video clip of the announcement (e.g., YouTube – “Habemus Papam” Announcement).
• Articles discussing the significance of Latin phrases in modern contexts (refer to sources below).

Lesson Activities

1. Introduction (10 minutes)
   • Begin with a brief discussion on the recent election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope.
   • Show the video clip of the “Habemus Papam” announcement.
   • Prompt students to share initial observations or questions.
   
2. Textual Analysis (30 minutes)
   • Distribute the handout with the proclamation in Latin:

“Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam! Eminentissimum ac reverendissimum Dominum, Dominum Robertum Franciscum Prevost, Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae Cardinalem Prevost, qui sibi nomen imposuit Leo XIV.”

• Guide students through a line-by-line translation, focusing on:
  • Vocabulary and syntax.
  • Use of cases (e.g., accusative in Robertum Franciscum).
  • Titles and honorifics.WOSU Public Media+1AP News+1Wikipedia

3. Historical and Cultural Context (20 minutes)

• Discuss the origins and evolution of the “Habemus Papam” announcement.
• Review the Latin phrases used in the papal conclave on the student handout
• Examine the significance of choosing the papal name “Leo XIV” and its historical connotations.

4. Contemporary Relevance Discussion (15 minutes)

• Read excerpts from articles highlighting Latin’s presence in modern media and society.
• Facilitate a discussion on:
  • Why Latin remains integral in certain institutions
  • The impact of Latin phrases on cultural and religious identity

5. Creative Application (Homework or In-Class Activity)
• Assign students to write their own formal announcements in Latin, introducing a fictional leader or figure, emulating the style of the “Habemus Papam” proclamation.
• Encourage creativity while maintaining grammatical accuracy.

Take it a step further…

Take your students to the birthplace of Latin– check out our special offer for Latin and History teachers: