October 1978 conclave

High school (ages 12+)
People & Society

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Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/october-1978-papal-conclave

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the conclave dates?October 14-16, 1978
2. What is the number of cardinal electors?111
3. What happened at the October 1978 conclave?Cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel to choose a new Pope after Pope John Paul I died. They voted through several ballots until they elected Cardinal Karol Wojtyła, who became Pope John Paul II.
4. Why was the October 1978 conclave special?It was the last time all 111 eligible cardinals were present. It also elected the first non‑Italian Pope in more than 450 years.

Papal Conclave: The closed meeting of cardinals convened to elect a new Pope.
Cardinal Elector: A cardinal who is eligible to vote in a papal conclave, typically under the age of 80.
Pontificate: The period during which a Pope holds office.
Sistine Chapel: The iconic chapel within the Vatican where papal conclaves are held, renowned for its Michelangelo frescoes.