ESL WORKSHEET - The death of Pope Francis

LESSON PLAN FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS

POPE FRANCIS DIES ON EASTER MONDAY

LinguaHouse

Apr. 26, 2025

Levels: Pre-intermediate (A2-B1) and Intermediate (B1-B2)
Type of language: General English
Tags: Celebrities and Historical Figures; Beliefs, Religion and Superstition; Breaking News; Historical Events; Celebrations and Special Events; Challenges; Ethics and Conduct; Society and Change; People and Places; Behavior, Feelings and Emotions; Vocabulary Lesson; Article Based; 13-15 Years Old; 16-18 Years Old; 18+ Years Old
Publication date: 04/26/2025

This is a breaking news lesson plan, written only in British English, about the death of Pope Francis, with a report focusing on the story and an article examining the selection process for a new pope. Students will learn related vocabulary, practice reading and listening skills and reinforce their new vocabulary with conversation practice. (by David J. Marriott)

CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in British English (L2).
CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in British English (L3).
CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in British English (L2).
CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in British English (L3).
CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in British English.
CLICK HERE to download/watch the video in British English.

AUDIO/VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Newsreader: Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic church, has died at the age of eighty-eight.
The Pope, who suffered from a number of long-term health conditions, spent thirty-eight days in hospital between February and March, making his last public appearance on Easter Sunday.
Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936. He was elected pope in 2013, becoming the two hundred and sixty-seventh leader of the Catholic church and the first from South America.
When a new pope is elected, he selects a new name – a tradition that began in the sixth century. The name ‘Francis’ was chosen in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Pope Francis had a reputation for caring for the poor and often spoke about poverty and climate change. He was a popular figure, particularly among young people.
Following his death, leaders around the world paid tribute, with many intending to attend his funeral, which will be held on Saturday.
According to tradition, the process for choosing a successor must begin within twenty days of the pope’s death.
One hundred and thirty-five cardinals from around the world will meet in Rome for a conclave – the name of the special meeting in which the new pope is elected.

Adapted from: https://www.linguahouse.com/esl-lesson-plans/general-english/pope-francis-dies-on-easter-monday. Accessed on April 28, 2025. LinguaHouse.com © 2008–2025. All rights reserved.