LOWER PRIMARY | UPPER PRIMARY | LOWER SECONDARY | UPPER SECONDARY
THE POPE HELPS PEOPLE AND SHOWS LOVE, LIKE JESUS DID
LOWER PRIMARY
1. Learning objectives
You may like to share these with the class on the board or in a PowerPoint. They can act as a roadmap to show where the lesson is headed.
Learning objectives
By the end of the lesson, students will:
- Know that the Pope is the leader of the Church.
- Recognise that the Pope helps people and teaches them about God.
- Understand that the Pope shows love and kindness, like Jesus.
2. Key concepts
You may like to display these on the board or on a poster on the wall, read them to the class or older students may like to copy them out into their notebooks.
Leadership in the Church: Jesus loved and helped everyone. The Pope is a special leader who helps guide people to love and care for others, just like Jesus.
The Pope: The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church all around the world. He teaches people about God and reminds them to love one another.
3. Who is the Pope?
Start with a simple question: ‘Do you know who the Pope is?’
Show a picture of Pope Francis and explain that he is the special leader of all the Catholics in the world. Briefly explain that the Pope lives in a big city called Rome and that people everywhere listen to what he teaches about Jesus.
4. The Pope’s job
Explain in simple terms that the Pope’s job is to teach people about God and help them know how to love and be kind to others. Use a comparison that young children can understand: ‘The Pope helps lead the Church like a shepherd helps guide his sheep’.
Ask: ‘What kinds of things do you think a good leader does?’ (Guide them to ideas like helping others, being kind, and teaching).
5. Story time: Jesus and Peter
Tell the story of how Jesus asked Peter to lead his followers (Matthew 16:18-19). Consider watching these videos:
Explain that today, the Pope is like Peter; he helps the Church follow Jesus and teaches people about God’s love. Use simple language and visuals to keep children engaged.
You can use felt-board characters or a storybook with illustrations to show Jesus and Peter.
6. Colour the Pope
Provide colouring sheets of the Pope and ask students to colour in the picture.
While colouring, discuss how the Pope shows love by helping people, just like Jesus did.
You can ask: ‘How can we be like the Pope? What can we do to show love to others?’
7. Play
These games consider leadership and doing God’s will.
- Gaming the Gospels: Doing God’s will (Consider playing a version called ‘Pope says’)
- Gaming the Gospels: Follow the leader (Take part in this fun activity and then reflect on a leader’s role)
8. Group discussion: How can we help?
Gather the students together and ask: ‘How can we be good leaders like the Pope?’
Let students share ideas like helping their friends, being kind, sharing, and praying.
Guide them to see that even though they are small, they can still be good leaders by showing love and care to others.
9. Reflection and prayer
End the lesson with a short reflection: ‘The Pope helps people learn about Jesus and love one another. We can do the same by being kind and loving just like Jesus!’
Lead the class in a simple prayer: ‘Dear Jesus, thank you for our Pope who teaches us about you. Help us be kind and loving like him. Amen.’
EXPLORING THE POPE’S ROLE AS LEADER OF THE GLOBAL CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
UPPER PRIMARY
1. Learning objectives
Display these learning objectives to students.
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
- Explain the concept of leadership in the Catholic Church.
- Understand the role and responsibilities of the Pope.
- Identify key qualities of good leadership, relating them to the Pope’s role.
- Reflect on how the Pope’s leadership impacts the Church and the world.
2. Explicit teaching
Create a slideshow using these notes and present it to students.
Slide 1: Key concepts
Slide 2: Leadership in the Catholic Church
Leadership is a form of service to others, following the example of Jesus Christ. In the Catholic Church, leaders guide, serve, and support the faithful.
Slide 3: The Pope
The Pope is the Bishop of Rome, the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church. He is seen as the successor to Saint Peter, one of Jesus’ apostles, and holds the responsibility of guiding the Church’s teachings, pastoral care, and mission.
Slide 4: Qualities of a good leader
- Compassion
- Wisdom
- Humility
- Service to others
3. Introduction to leadership in the Church
Begin by asking students: ‘What makes a good leader?’
Discuss qualities such as kindness, service, and the ability to make decisions for the good of others.
Relate these qualities to Jesus, who led his disciples and followers with love and compassion.
4. Understanding the Pope’s role
Explain the role of the Pope as a spiritual leader who:
- Leads more than one billion Catholics around the world.
- Guides the Church in matters of faith and morals.
- Represents the unity of the Church.
Show an image of the Pope and ask students if they know his name (currently Pope Francis). Briefly discuss Pope Francis’ background and leadership style, focusing on his mission to the poor and marginalised.
5. Watch and read
Video: Brief clip introducing Pope Francis and his work (eg, YouTube videos from Vatican or Catholic media channels).
Top 10 moments of Pope Francis by America – The Jesuit Review
Article: ‘Mission to the Fringes’ by Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ for additional insight into the Pope’s mission of outreach.
Read the section of the article titled ‘The Pope’s Place’.
6. The Pope as a successor to Saint Peter
Share the story of Jesus appointing Peter as the leader of his apostles (Matthew 16:18-19).
‘And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’
Discuss how the Pope continues this tradition, leading the Church as Peter did.
Comprehension questions
1. Who is Jesus speaking to in this passage?
Answer: Jesus is speaking to Peter.
2. What name does Jesus give Peter, and what does it symbolise?
Answer: Jesus calls Peter ‘the rock,’ symbolising that Peter will be the foundation on which the Church is built.
3. What does Jesus promise about the Church he will build?
Answer: Jesus promises that the gates of Hades (hell) will not prevail against the Church.
4. What is the significance of Jesus giving Peter the ‘keys of the kingdom of heaven’?
Answer: It symbolises Peter’s authority in the Church and his role in guiding others toward God’s kingdom.
5. What power does Jesus give to Peter in this passage?
Answer: Jesus gives Peter the power to bind and loose things on earth, which will also be bound or loosed in heaven.
6. What do you think the ‘gates of Hades’ represent in this passage?
Answer: The gates of Hades represent the powers of death or evil that will not be able to overcome the Church.
Vocabulary list
Peter: One of Jesus’ apostles, also called Simon, whose name means ‘rock’ in Greek.
Rock: A symbol of strength and stability; in this context, it refers to Peter being the strong foundation of the Church.
Church: The community of believers in Jesus Christ.
Hades: In ancient beliefs, Hades was the realm of the dead; here, it symbolises the powers of death or evil.
Prevail: To overcome or win; Jesus says the forces of Hades will not prevail over the Church.
Keys of the kingdom of heaven: A symbol of authority; Jesus gives Peter the keys as a sign of leadership in the Church.
Bind: To restrict or hold something; in the spiritual sense, it refers to making decisions or actions that have lasting effects.
Loose: To release or free something; in this passage, it refers to the authority to set things free, both on earth and in heaven.
Teaching idea
Consider creating matching games where students match the term with the definition and the question with the answer. Make sure they complete the vocabulary matching game before reading or listening to the Bible passage.
7. Leadership qualities of the Pope
Explore Pope Francis’ leadership qualities, such as humility (living simply), compassion (care for the environment, support for the poor), and his emphasis on dialogue.
Ask students: ‘What other qualities should a good leader have?’
Discuss how the Pope’s actions reflect these values.
8. Group discussion
Divide the class into small groups and ask them to discuss: ‘What can we learn from the Pope’s leadership that can help us be better leaders in our own lives?’
Groups can share their ideas with the class. Encourage students to reflect on how they can show leadership at home, in school, and in the community.
9. Reflection and prayer
End with a reflection: ‘What did you learn about leadership and the Pope today? How can we follow the Pope’s example of service and care for others?’
Lead a short prayer asking for God’s guidance in becoming compassionate and humble leaders.
LEADERSHIP AND THE ROLE OF THE POPE
LOWER SECONDARY
1. Pre-reading vocabulary exercise
Before reading ‘Mission to the Fringes’ by Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ, it’s important for students to understand some key terms and concepts. Below is a list of words and phrases from the article that students should know. Students can look up the definitions in a reputable dictionary or teachers can create a matching game where students match the word to its definition.
Vocabulary list
- Bishop of Rome – The Pope’s official title as the leader of the Catholic Church.
- Successor of St Peter – The Pope is considered the successor of St Peter, one of Jesus’ apostles, who was the first leader of the Church.
- Martyr – A person who suffers or dies for their beliefs, especially religious ones.
- Gospel – The teachings of Jesus Christ, especially as recorded in the first four books of the New Testament.
- Universal Church – Refers to the worldwide community of the Catholic Church, led by the Pope.
- Marginalised – People or groups who are pushed to the edges of society, often lacking power or opportunities.
- Pilgrim – Someone who travels to a holy place for religious reasons.
- Devotional – Relating to religious worship and prayers.
- Mission – A task or purpose, often used in religious contexts to refer to spreading faith or helping others.
- Cavalcade – A formal procession or parade, often of vehicles or people.
2. Read
Read ‘Mission to the Fringes’ by Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ. In his travel to Asia and Oceania, Pope Francis continues to show his preference for meeting Catholics at the edges. After reading the article, students will answer the following comprehension questions to check their understanding of key points in the text.
- What is the Pope’s role in the Catholic Church?
- Why is Pope Francis traveling to Indonesia, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea, and Singapore in September 2024?
- What are some ways that past popes showed leadership through travel?
- How does Pope Francis demonstrate leadership through his actions during his travels?
- Why does Pope Francis choose to visit countries where Catholics are a minority, like East Timor and Papua New Guinea?
- What message does Pope Francis send by visiting refugees and marginalised people, like those at the isle of Lampedusa?
- How does the Pope’s travel help ‘confirm his brothers in faith’?
- Why do you think Pope Francis does not visit powerful or rich nations as much as he visits smaller, poorer nations?
- In what ways does Pope Francis embody the Catholic Church’s mission to the world?
- What do you think is the most important quality of leadership that Pope Francis demonstrates? Explain your answer.
3. Explicit teaching
Create a slideshow using these notes and present it to students.
Slide 1: Learning objectives
By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
1. Understand the role of the Pope as a leader in the Catholic Church.
2. Explain how Pope Francis shows leadership through his actions, particularly his travels to marginalised communities.
3. Recognise how the Popes leadership connects to the mission of spreading the Gospel and caring for the marginalised.
Slide 2: Key themes
Slide 3: The Popes role in the Church
The Pope is the Bishop of Rome and the successor of St. Peter, chosen to lead the Church, strengthen its members in faith, and serve as a sign of unity.
Slide 4: The importance of travel in the Pope’s ministry
Pope Francis follows a tradition of travelling popes, going to the edges of the world to meet people who are often overlooked, emphasising his commitment to caring for the marginalised.
Slide 5: Leadership through humility and compassion
Pope Francis leads by example, visiting countries with small Catholic populations, meeting with political and religious leaders, and reaching out to the sick, elderly, and those living in difficult situations.
Discussion
After your show the slides, ask students, ‘What makes a good leader?’ and list their answers on the board. Guide the discussion toward qualities like compassion, humility, and a sense of responsibility.
Link to the Pope: Introduce the idea that the Pope is the leader of the Catholic Church and discuss what makes the Pope a special type of leader (spiritual guidance, global impact, etc).
4. The role of the Pope
Read aloud selected paragraphs from ‘Mission to the Fringes’ that explain the Pope’s role as the Bishop of Rome and his responsibility to ‘strengthen his brothers’ in faith.
Clarify the Pope’s unique leadership role, emphasising that he is not just a religious figure but also a symbol of unity and a guide for Catholics around the world.
5. The Pope as a leader of the marginalised
Split the class into small groups and assign each group one country Pope Francis visited on his trip to Asia and Oceania (Indonesia, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea, Singapore). Ask students to research why the Pope might visit these countries and what message his visit might send.
Discussion: Bring the groups together and discuss how Pope Francis’ travel to these countries shows leadership through care for those on the fringes of society. Highlight how Pope Francis leadership contrasts with leaders who focus only on powerful countries or cities.
6. Reflection on leadership
- Reflection question: Ask students, ‘How does Pope Francis show leadership through his actions, not just his words?’ Encourage students to consider specific examples from the article, such as his visit to refugees or his travels to small Catholic communities.
- Personal application: Ask students to think about how they can show leadership in their own lives by reaching out to those who may feel left out or marginalised.
Key points to emphasise
- Leadership as service: The Popes leadership is based on service to others, especially those in need. This reflects the Christian belief that true leaders are humble and care for the least among us.
- Global leadership: While the Pope is based in Rome, his responsibility is to the entire Catholic Church worldwide. His travels emphasise the global nature of his ministry.
- Pope Francis’ special leadership style: Unlike some previous Popes, Pope Francis is known for his simplicity, humility, and concern for people on the margins of society.
7. Homework/extension activity
- Research assignment: Ask students to pick one Pope (eg, Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, or Pope Francis) and research how he demonstrated leadership. They should write a short paragraph explaining how the Pope they chose led the Church and what qualities made him a good leader.
- Creative activity: Students can create a visual representation (poster or drawing) showing one of Pope Francis visits to a marginalised community, illustrating how his actions reflect the values of the Catholic Church.
LEADERSHIP AND THE ROLE OF THE POPE IN CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
UPPER SECONDARY
1. Watch
Watch the introduction to the film The Letter about Laudato Si’. (Time stamp: 00:00- 05:15)
Define the word encyclical. If an encyclical is sent to all Bishops of the Roman Catholic Church, why does the chair of the Laudato Si’ movement Dr Lorna Gold say it’s a letter that is written to you? How does that work? What is the bishops’ responsibility in all of this? If you wanted to read the letter yourself, where would you find it?
2. Pre-reading vocabulary exercise
Introduce these key terms before reading the article to help students understand the content. Try turning it into a matching exercise where students match up the terms and definitions and then answer the question.
Vocabulary words
- Preoccupation
Definition: A subject or concern that someone is focused on or worried about.
Question: What is something you are often preoccupied with?
- Encyclical
Definition: A formal letter or document written by the Pope, usually addressed to the whole Church.
Question: Why do you think encyclicals are important in the Catholic Church?
- Laudato Si’
Definition: An encyclical written by Pope Francis in 2015, addressing environmental care and the need to act against global warming.
Question: How might this document influence how Catholics think about the environment?
- Exploitation
Definition: The unfair use of something or someone for personal gain or profit.
Question: How can exploitation affect the environment?
- Global warming
Definition: The long-term rise in the earth’s average temperature due to human activities like burning fossil fuels.
Question: How does global warming impact both the environment and people?
- Responsibility
Definition: A duty or obligation to take care of something or someone.
Question: What are some responsibilities you have in your daily life?
- Personal
Definition: Relating to oneself; something that directly affects an individual.
Question: Why is it important to make environmental care personal, according to Pope Francis?
- Season of Creation
Definition: A period between 1 September and 4 October when Christians focus on caring for creation and reflecting on their role in environmental stewardship.
Question: How might the Season of Creation help people appreciate the natural world?
- Solicitude
Definition: Care or concern for someone or something.
Question: In what ways can showing solicitude for the environment make a difference?
3. Read
Read the article Change of heart needed where Fr Andrew Hamilton writes that the business of caring for our environment is, and must always be, personal. Answer the following questions in response to the article.
- What is the main message Pope Francis is trying to convey in his September prayer about the environment?
- How does Pope Francis connect the threat to the environment with human responsibility?
- Why does Pope Francis believe that global warming is not a natural phenomenon?
- According to Pope Francis, why is it important that caring for the environment becomes personal for each individual?
- What does Pope Francis mean when he says the environment and humans are deeply interconnected?
- Who does Pope Francis say is most affected by global warming, and why does he emphasise their suffering?
- Pope Francis calls for a change of heart in how we respond to environmental issues. What does this change of heart look like in everyday life?
- How does Pope Francis suggest we can respond to the wounds of the environment in practical ways?
- How does the Season of Creation help Catholics balance caring for the environment with celebrating its beauty?
- Why does Pope Francis use St Francis of Assisi as an example in his message about caring for creation?
- How does Pope Francis link caring for the environment to living out Catholic faith?
- What are some specific ways Pope Francis suggests we can care for the environment in our daily lives?
4. Explicit teaching
Explain to the class.
This lesson focuses on the leadership role of the Pope, particularly Pope Francis, and his emphasis on environmental stewardship. Through his encyclical Laudato Si’ and prayers like his September 2024 reflection, Pope Francis calls for a personal change of heart in how we care for the Earth. Students will explore the intersection of faith, leadership, and personal responsibility in addressing global environmental challenges.
Slideshow
Create a slideshow for students based on the following notes:
Slide 1: Pope Francis leadership on environmental issues:
- Pope Francis is seen as a global leader on environmental care, particularly through his encyclicals Laudato Si (2015) and Laudate Deum (2023).
- He stresses that environmental degradation, particularly global warming, is a result of human exploitation for profit.
- The Pope’s leadership invites both the Church and the global community to take responsibility for the earths care.
Slide 2: The Season of Creation:
- Celebrated from September 1 to October 4, concluding on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
- A time for Christians to focus on environmental care and reflect on their personal responsibility to care for creation.
- This period highlights the need to celebrate natures beauty while being mindful of the damage caused by human actions.
Slide 3: A call for personal responsibility and a change of heart:
- Pope Francis emphasises that caring for the environment must be personal and not merely theoretical.
- He calls for a change of heart – a personal conversion where individuals recognise the interconnectedness between humanity and the environment.
- This change involves making sustainable, ethical decisions in daily life (eg, reducing waste, mindful consumption).
Slide 4: The role of the Pope as a moral and spiritual leader:
- The Pope’s role involves addressing both spiritual matters and urgent global issues, such as climate change.
- His teachings reflect a deep concern for the marginalised, especially the poor, who are disproportionately affected by environmental crises.
- Pope Francis embodies leadership by setting an example of care and humility, much like St Francis of Assisi, who is the patron saint of ecology.
5. Discuss
Consider using these questions in a think-pair-share or jigsaw discussion format where students consider and discuss their answers before sharing their responses with the groups as a whole.
Discussion questions for students:
- The Pope’s leadership role:
- How does Pope Francis show leadership in addressing environmental issues?
- What makes his message about the environment particularly powerful or important for Catholics?
- Environmental responsibility:
- What does Pope Francis mean when he says that caring for the environment must be personal?
- How can you personally respond to his call to take care of creation? What changes can you make in your life?
- Reflection on Creation:
- In what ways can we celebrate the beauty of creation during the Season of Creation? How does this help us connect with our faith?
- How does the example of St Francis of Assisi help us understand the relationship between faith and nature?
6. Personal reflection journal
- Ask students to write a personal reflection on how they can respond to Pope Francis call to care for the environment.
- Encourage them to reflect on their own habits and what changes they might be willing to make to care for the world.
7. Exploring Pope Francis’ leadership style and role in the Catholic Church
Students will research and present their findings on Pope Francis’ leadership style and his role in guiding the Church, with a focus on his environmental advocacy and broader social justice themes. This activity encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and a
Introduction
- Explain that the Pope is both a spiritual leader and a global figure who influences moral and social issues.
- Watch A message from Pope Francis – Leadership Conference 2024 (Time stamp: 00:00- 01:10)
How would you describe Pope Francis’ approach to leadership?
- Read the entry Pope: Roman Catholicism from the Encyclopedia Britannica. Students make notes on the first four paragraphs of the article using the Cornell notetaking method.
Group research project
- Divide the class into small groups (3-4 students per group).
- Assign each group one aspect of Pope Francis leadership or role in the Church:
Group 1: Pope Francis leadership on environmental stewardship
Focus: Encyclicals such as Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum.
Group 2: Pope Francis as a leader of social justice
Focus: His advocacy for the poor, migrants, and marginalised communities.
Group 3: Pope Francis and Catholic tradition
Focus: His role in upholding Church teachings while addressing modern global challenges.
Group 4: Pope Francis’ leadership style
Focus: His humility, openness, and emphasis on dialogue and compassion.
Research tasks for each group
- Research: Each group will use resources such as articles, videos, or official Church documents to learn about their assigned topic. Teachers can provide access to websites, library books, or pre-selected readings. Students should focus on how Pope Francis demonstrates leadership in their assigned area.
- Reflection: Students will discuss within their groups how Pope Francis approach to leadership is unique or different from previous Popes.
- Real-life examples: Each group should find one real-world example of Pope Francis acting as a leader in their assigned area (eg, speeches, actions during global crises, his travels, or symbolic gestures like washing the feet of prisoners).
Group presentations
Each group will create a short presentation (5-7 minutes) to share their findings with the class. They can use slides, posters, or even role-play as Pope Francis to demonstrate his leadership style. Encourage students to include:
- An overview of Pope Francis leadership in their assigned area.
- Key quotes or ideas from his teachings (eg, encyclicals, homilies, speeches).
- The real-life example they found of Pope Francis leadership in action.
- How his leadership reflects Catholic values and the teachings of Jesus.
Class discussion and reflection
- After the presentations, lead a class discussion on Pope Francis leadership.
- What makes Pope Francis leadership stand out in today’s world?
- How does his leadership reflect the values of the Catholic Church?
- What can we learn from Pope Francis about being a good leader in our own lives?
Individual reflection
- Ask students to reflect individually on one quality of Pope Francis leadership that they admire and how they might apply it in their own lives (eg, compassion, humility, care for creation).
Optional extension activity – Leadership in action project
Ask students to create their own Pope Francis-style leadership action plan. They will identify an issue in their school or community (eg, environmental care, helping those in need, fostering kindness) and propose a practical action they could take to lead by example. Students will present their plans to the class, encouraging others to join them in their efforts.
8. Closing prayer
Conclude with Pope Francis intention for September 2024:
For the cry of the Earth. We pray that each one of us will hear and take to heart the cry of the Earth and of victims of natural disasters and climactic change, and that all will undertake to personally care for the world in which we live.