UK cardinal asks for prayer as conclave begins and world watches for new pope
One of the UK’s most senior Catholic leaders has called on people to pray for himself and other cardinals as they embark on the secret voting process to elect a new pope.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who is one of more than 130 electors entering conclave on Wednesday, said he feels “quite intimidated” knowing the world is watching to see who they choose.
Following a special mass in St Peter’s Basilica, the group will go into the Sistine Chapel where they will have no contact with the outside world until white smoke rises into the air in Vatican City to confirm there is a new pope.
Up to four votes will be had each day apart from the first, as proceedings will not get under way until the afternoon.
Cardinal Nichols, who is the leader of England and Wales’ Catholics, has been in Rome since shortly after the death of Pope Francis and described getting to know his fellow cardinals during lengthy meetings in the days since.
The cardinal, who is also Archbishop of Westminster, told the PA news agency: “Before going into the conclave, we will have met almost 10 times in the formal meetings of the Congregation of Cardinals.
“These meetings, which have been long and during which we have been very attentive to the contributions from cardinals across the world, now lead us to the conclave at which only those under 80 who will vote for the next pope in the Sistine Chapel attend.
“During these days we have got to know each other and to appreciate the variety of gifts, insights and dedication among us. It is a truly universal church and a reflection of the breadth and diversity of human experience.”