Latest news with #CongregationofCardinals
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Conclave: Cardinals face a 'big call' on next pope
The leader of the Roman Catholic church in England and Wales has said he and his fellow cardinals face a "big call" as the secret voting process to elect a new pope begins. Cardinal Vincent Nichols is one of more than 130 electors who will be meet in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel during the conclave, with no contact with the outside world until they have chosen the next pontiff. The Merseyside-born Archbishop of Westminster said he had been "getting to know" his fellow cardinals as many of them had never met before. He said he felt "quite intimidated" knowing that the outcome of the election was "awaited by people all over the world and of many faiths". The conclave - which is Latin for locked room - begins in the afternoon with each each cardinal taking an oath of secrecy. Only those under the age of 80 are permitted to vote in the ceremony. The results of the vote are then conveyed to the outside world with the release of smoke, with black denoting no consensus and white confirming the election of a new pope. Archbishop Nichols was made a cardinal by Pope Francis [EPA] Cardinal Nichols said the cardinals will have met "almost ten times" before the conclave in a series of meetings known as the Congregation of Cardinals. The 79-year-old said there had been long meetings, "during which we have been very attentive to the contributions from cardinals across the world". The cardinals sleep in the five-storey guesthouse Casa de Santa Marta, close to St Peter's Basilica in Vactican City. It was built by Pope John Paul II in 1996 especially to house cardinals during the conclave and was where Pope Francis decided to live after his election in 2013. Crosby-born Cardinal Nichols has been in staying in the Catholic seminary the Venerable English College in Rome since shortly after the death of Pope Francis in April. Unlike other popes, the late pontiff gave his cardinals few opportunities to meet as a group, so with more cardinals from Africa and Asia than previous conclaves, they have been trying to get acquainted. "During these days we have got to know each other and to appreciate the variety of gifts, insights and dedication among us," he said. "It is a truly universal church and a reflection of the breadth and diversity of human experience. "I feel quite intimidated knowing that the outcome of this election is awaited by people all over the world and of many faiths." He said 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. He said the cardinals were entering the conclave "in a profound spirit of prayer and attentive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, who will, I am sure, guide our decisions". He added that he hoped "Catholics and indeed all people will say a prayer asking for God's blessing at this important moment". He has previously ruled himself out of the running to be the next pontiff, describing himself as "too old, not capable". Cardinal Nichols is one of five cardinals across the UK and Ireland, although only three Englishmen - himself, Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe and Rome-based Cardinal Arthur Roche - who are younger than the voting age limit of 80. More on this story
Daily Record
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Conclave begins at Vatican as secret voting for new Pope to get underway
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.' 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 told PA: '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.' Asked about his thoughts on the kind of qualities necessary for the top role in the Church, he said: 'I hope that the next pope will be, in his own manner of acting and speaking, an attractive expression of the invitation of God in Jesus Christ for all people to know that they are loved by God and destined for glory.' He has previously effectively ruled himself out of the running to be the next pontiff, describing himself as 'too old, not capable'. The cardinals have a 'hugely responsible task' ahead of them and will not want to appear divided in their efforts, according to one UK theologian. Cardinal Nichols is one of five cardinals across the UK and Ireland, although only three – himself, Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe and Rome-based Cardinal Arthur Roche – are younger than 80 and therefore of voting age. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Professor Anna Rowlands, who spent two years seconded to the Vatican during Francis's papacy, said the cardinals will want to choose someone who can lead the Church 'into a new moment' rather than simply replacing a man whose popularity saw him dubbed 'the people's pope'. The professor of Catholic social thought and practice at Durham University told PA: 'The cardinals will have had just over a week to meet and discuss openly their priorities and to try to work together to discern who they think God is calling to be the successor to St Peter. 'In their minds this isn't so much a replacement for Francis as a moment where they are trying to work out which of them could lead the Church into a new moment. 'Formal and informal meetings have been preparing them for that hugely responsible task of voting in conclave from May 7. And the eyes of the world will be watching. 'No-one can be sure of the length of the conclave itself but one can assume the cardinals would prefer days rather than weeks. They will want to choose very carefully but also appear united rather than divided.' A two-thirds majority is required for someone to be elected. The anonymous ballots are burned after voting, with black smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel indicating no-one has been elected but white smoke confirming a new pope has been chosen.
Powys County Times
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Powys County Times
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.' 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 told PA: '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.' Asked about his thoughts on the kind of qualities necessary for the top role in the Church, he said: 'I hope that the next pope will be, in his own manner of acting and speaking, an attractive expression of the invitation of God in Jesus Christ for all people to know that they are loved by God and destined for glory.' He has previously effectively ruled himself out of the running to be the next pontiff, describing himself as 'too old, not capable'. The cardinals have a 'hugely responsible task' ahead of them and will not want to appear divided in their efforts, according to one UK theologian. Cardinal Nichols is one of five cardinals across the UK and Ireland, although only three – himself, Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe and Rome-based Cardinal Arthur Roche – are younger than 80 and therefore of voting age. Professor Anna Rowlands, who spent two years seconded to the Vatican during Francis's papacy, said the cardinals will want to choose someone who can lead the Church 'into a new moment' rather than simply replacing a man whose popularity saw him dubbed 'the people's pope'. The professor of Catholic social thought and practice at Durham University told PA: 'The cardinals will have had just over a week to meet and discuss openly their priorities and to try to work together to discern who they think God is calling to be the successor to St Peter. 'In their minds this isn't so much a replacement for Francis as a moment where they are trying to work out which of them could lead the Church into a new moment. 'Formal and informal meetings have been preparing them for that hugely responsible task of voting in conclave from May 7. And the eyes of the world will be watching. 'No-one can be sure of the length of the conclave itself but one can assume the cardinals would prefer days rather than weeks. They will want to choose very carefully but also appear united rather than divided.' A two-thirds majority is required for someone to be elected. The anonymous ballots are burned after voting, with black smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel indicating no-one has been elected but white smoke confirming a new pope has been chosen.
Western Telegraph
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Western Telegraph
UK cardinal asks for prayer as conclave begins and world watches for 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. Cardinal Vincent Nichols is among those entering the secret conclave meeting (James Manning/PA) 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.' 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. I do hope that Catholics and indeed all people will say a prayer asking for God's blessing at this important moment Cardinal Vincent Nichols On the eve of the meeting, he told PA: '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.' Asked about his thoughts on the kind of qualities necessary for the top role in the Church, he said: 'I hope that the next pope will be, in his own manner of acting and speaking, an attractive expression of the invitation of God in Jesus Christ for all people to know that they are loved by God and destined for glory.' He has previously effectively ruled himself out of the running to be the next pontiff, describing himself as 'too old, not capable'. The cardinals have a 'hugely responsible task' ahead of them and will not want to appear divided in their efforts, according to one UK theologian. Cardinal Nichols is one of five cardinals across the UK and Ireland, although only three – himself, Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe and Rome-based Cardinal Arthur Roche – are younger than 80 and therefore of voting age. Professor Anna Rowlands, who spent two years seconded to the Vatican during Francis's papacy, said the cardinals will want to choose someone who can lead the Church 'into a new moment' rather than simply replacing a man whose popularity saw him dubbed 'the people's pope'. No-one can be sure of the length of the conclave itself ... they (the cardinals) will want to choose very carefully but also appear united rather than divided Professor Anna Rowlands The professor of Catholic social thought and practice at Durham University told PA: 'The cardinals will have had just over a week to meet and discuss openly their priorities and to try to work together to discern who they think God is calling to be the successor to St Peter. 'In their minds this isn't so much a replacement for Francis as a moment where they are trying to work out which of them could lead the Church into a new moment. 'Formal and informal meetings have been preparing them for that hugely responsible task of voting in conclave from May 7. And the eyes of the world will be watching. 'No-one can be sure of the length of the conclave itself but one can assume the cardinals would prefer days rather than weeks. They will want to choose very carefully but also appear united rather than divided.' A two-thirds majority is required for someone to be elected. The anonymous ballots are burned after voting, with black smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel indicating no-one has been elected but white smoke confirming a new pope has been chosen.
The Independent
01-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Cardinals thank Cardinal Becciu for ‘gesture' of stepping back from conclave
The College of Cardinals has appeared to acknowledge that the definitive word is still out about the so-called 'trial of the century' that convicted Cardinal Angelo Becciu of financial crimes. On Tuesday, Becciu, 76, the once-powerful Italian cardinal, formally withdrew his participation in the May 7 conclave to elect Pope Francis ' successor, after days of uncertainty about his status. The Vatican 's criminal court convicted Becciu in 2023 of embezzlement and other finance-related charges. He has appealed, which is scheduled to begin in September, and in Italy, convictions in the Vatican criminal court are not considered definitive until all appeals are exhausted. There are also lingering questions about the integrity of the trial. In a statement on Wednesday, the college thanked Becciu for withdrawing and for 'contributing to the communion and serenity of the conclave '. 'The Congregation of Cardinals expresses its appreciation for the gesture he has made and hopes that the competent organs of justice will be able to definitively ascertain the facts,' said a statement from the cardinals who are meeting in pre-conclave discussions. In 2020, Francis forced Becciu's resignation as head of the Vatican's saint-making office and forced him to renounce the rights of the cardinalate after receiving allegations of financial misconduct against him. Becciu denied wrongdoing but said at the time that he wouldn't be able to vote in a future conclave. After Francis died on April 21, Becciu had asserted his right to participate. But he backed down on Tuesday after being presented with letters from Francis, penned before his death, saying he couldn't take part. Questions around the trial During the trial, defence lawyers discovered that Francis had secretly issued four decrees during the investigation to benefit prosecutors, allowing them to conduct intercepts and detain suspects without a judge's warrant. Defence lawyers argued that such interference by an absolute monarch in a legal system where the pope exercises supreme legislative, executive and judicial power violated their clients' fundamental rights and robbed them of a fair trial. Also during the trial, it emerged that the prosecution's prime witness against Becciu was coached, threatened and manipulated by outsiders to persuade him to turn on the cardinal. The tribunal rejected the defence's objections at the time and the trial went ahead. But in recent weeks, even more evidence has emerged about the outside manipulation of the witness and apparent collusion with Vatican prosecutors and gendarmes to target Becciu. The Domani newspaper has previously published redacted WhatsApp chats and an audio suggesting that Vatican gendarmes and prosecutors were involved indirectly in coaching the witness, Monsignor Alberto Perlasca, to turn on Becciu. Becciu has responded to the reports with outrage, saying they prove that his prosecution was manipulated from the start. 'From the very first moment I spoke of a machination against me: an investigation built on falsehoods, which five years ago unjustly devastated my life and exposed me to a pillory of worldwide proportions,' he said in a statement April 14, when the first chats were published. The appeal is scheduled to begin in September.
