One of the UK’s most senior Catholic leaders has appealed for prayers as he and other cardinals prepare for the secret voting process to elect a new pope.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who is one of more than 130 cardinal electors entering the conclave on Wednesday, said he feels “quite intimidated” by the global attention focused on the election process.
Following a special mass in St Peter’s Basilica, the group will enter the Sistine Chapel, cutting off all 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 held each day, except for the first day, as proceedings will not get underway 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, said that 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.”
This conclave will have more cardinals from Africa and Asia than previous meetings, mostly chosen by the late Francis.
Cardinal Nichols, who is taking part in his first conclave, has previously spoken of the weight on the shoulders of the electing cardinals, knowing theirs is a choice which will have significant consequences for the Church on the world stage.
On the eve of the meeting, he said: “Going into the conclave, I feel quite intimidated knowing that the outcome of this election is awaited by people all over the world and of many faiths.
“The voice of the pope, especially following Pope Francis, can serve as a call to everyone to fashion a society more fitting to the dignity of every human. That is a big call.”
He said cardinals are entering the meeting “in a profound spirit of prayer and attentive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit who will, I am sure, guide our decisions”.
The cardinal, from Liverpool, added: “I do hope that Catholics and indeed all people will say a prayer asking for God’s blessing at this important moment.”
