Our Lady of Mt. Carmel students heading to Rome to perform for Pope Leo XIV

CHICAGO (WGN) — From Lakeview to St. Peter's Basilica, a trip of a lifetime awaits students at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.

The Chicago Catholic grade schoolers will soon have an audience with Pope Leo XIV, who was born and raised in the Chicago area. Practicing to sing in Latin to the first American pope, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel students will head to Rome next week to perform before Pope Leo and visit the Sistine Chapel.

Despite the nerves, student Tim Derov says excitement remains.

"I feel like it's going to be a very fun trip, and I think we are going to see lots of beautiful things," Derov said.

Chicago Cardinal Blaise Cupich will also make the trip, as he celebrates 50 years as a priest, also known as a 50th jubilee. Families are financing the trip independently, with donations from oth