PHOTOS: Second graders elect "Pope"

Education

Second graders at Pinecrest Academy held a mock conclave and elected a new pope. Pope David toured the school in his popemobile and blessed his fellow students.

Pope David, portrayed by second-grader David Levergood, offers a blessing as he appears after being elected the new pope during a mock papal conclave at Pinecrest Academy on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Pope David, acted by second-grader David Levergood, waves to middle-schoolers as he tours the school after being elected as the new pope during a mock papal conclave at Pinecrest Academy on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Pope David, acted by second-grader David Levergood, gives a kiss to a baby Jesus after being elected as the new pope during a mock papal conclave at Pinecrest Academy on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Sarah Gagnier, lower and middle school Director, offered a cross to the newly elected Pope David during a mock papal conclave at Pinecrest Academy on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. This activity was designed to help participants learn about the process in an engaging way.
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Pope David, portrayed by second-grader David Levergood, toured the school in a popemobile following his election as the new pope during a mock papal conclave held at Pinecrest Academy on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Burning the ballots is part of the process after a new pope was chosen during a pretend papal conclave at Pinecrest Academy on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Father Matthew Kaderabek, who serves as the chaplain for students from Pre-Kindergarten to 8th grade, is observed burning the ballots after a new pope was chosen during a pretend papal election at Pinecrest Academy on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Second grader David Levergood, who was elected as a pretend Pope, give his blessings while touring Pinecrest Academy. This event was part of a fun mock papal conclave, where students experienced what it might be like to choose a Pope on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

After being presented to the school audience, Pope David offered a prayer on the patio of Pinecrest Academy during a mock papal conclave at Pinecrest Academy on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Second graders and staff shared their excitement as they participated in a fun event in which they pretended to choose a new pope during a mock papal conclave at Pinecrest Academy on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Father Matthew Kaderabek, the chaplain for PreK through 8th grade, offered a prayer to second graders after the new pope was selected during a mock papal conclave at Pinecrest Academy on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Second-graders at Pinecrest Academy in Cumming took part in a fun event where they got to vote in a pretend meeting to choose a new pope. This activity was designed to help them learn about the process in an engaging way, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

1 / 12

Pope David, portrayed by second-grader David Levergood, offers a blessing as he appears after being elected the new pope during a mock papal conclave at Pinecrest Academy on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Today’s Gallery Headlines

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

PHOTOS: Pepsi challenge comes to Atlanta

Pepsi revives its Pepsi challenge in Atlanta, the headquarters of longtime rival Coke.

Credit: Daniel Varnado/For the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

PHOTOS: Georgia State University holds 2025 spring commencement

GSU's College of Arts & Sciences graduated Wednesday in Atlanta.

Credit: AP

PHOTOS: Braves and Reds on Wednesday night

The Braves took on the Reds on Wednesday night at Truist Park.

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

PHOTOS: Kennesaw State University holds 2025 spring commencement

KSU Class of 2025 graduated at the school's Convocation Center on Tuesday.

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez