ROME — Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster and the leading figure of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, is preparing for his inaugural papal conclave. Describing the experience as “intimidating,” he anticipates a solemn atmosphere among the cardinals as they convene in the Sistine Chapel to select a new pope.
As he reflects on the significance of this gathering, Nichols emphasized that the speculative debates seen outside the conclave, often framed in terms of ideological divides, will cease once the doors close. “That will finish, and there’ll be much more a mood of reflection,” he remarked. At 79, Nichols has seen his role evolve since being appointed cardinal by Pope Francis in February 2014. He joins a diverse College of Cardinals, most of whom were also appointed by Francis.
The richness of the Church’s global presence strikes Nichols profoundly. He has already encountered cardinals sharing stories from diverse contexts, such as a fellow cardinal from Rwanda, whose insights on the country’s history and the Church’s evolving role there are particularly poignant. Another cardinal hails from Myanmar, where he navigates challenges under a military regime. “These stories create the mosaic of the Church around the world,” Nichols noted, underscoring the value of shared experiences in shaping their discussions.
Nichols acknowledged that the days leading up to the conclave serve as an opportunity for deep listening among the cardinals. He also emphasized the importance of addressing sexual abuse within the Church, drawing from his two decades of engagement with survivors. “I can’t take the pain away. I can try to understand it,” he said, advocating for the inclusion of external voices to aid the Church’s healing process. He recognized that the Church, often viewed as the perpetrator, can paradoxically be a challenging environment for survivors seeking immediate support.
Although Nichols does not foresee emerging from the conclave as the new pope, he expressed that the individual selected will undergo a profound transformation. “Being chosen pope is a mini kind of death,” he stated, explaining that the new leader will sacrifice personal privacy and freedom. “It’s a kind of total surrender for good purpose.”
The conclave’s procedures will see cardinals sequestered at the Casa Santa Marta, cut off from all external distractions, including technology. Nichols expressed mixed feelings about this seclusion, noting that while he could manage without podcasts, missing out on soccer scores may be tougher to bear. “I’m not quite sure what happens to my mobile phone… They might take them off us, I don’t know,” he mused, highlighting the added layer of uncertainty.
Although the conclave typically lasts two to three days, Nichols emphasized that the process will continue until two-thirds of the cardinals reach a consensus. With this in mind, he humorously mentioned packing extra socks in anticipation of a prolonged stay.
As changes loom within the Church, the insights shared among the cardinals will be critical in guiding their decision, ultimately shaping the future of the Catholic Church on a global scale.