Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster and a prominent Catholic figure in England and Wales, is preparing for his first Papal Conclave, describing the experience as “intimidating.” He anticipates a reflective atmosphere among Cardinals in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, emphasizing the importance of sharing personal stories, especially those of survivors of sexual abuse within the Church. Nichols, who has met with victims for two decades, stresses the need for the Church to incorporate outsider perspectives for healing.
He believes that the Conclave requires significant personal sacrifice from the newly chosen Pope, comparing it to a “mini-like death” due to the loss of privacy and personal life. While Nichols doubts he will be elected Pope, he acknowledges the gravity and responsibility of the role. The conclave will see Cardinals isolated from outside influences, which Nichols finds manageable, though he humorously notes his concern about missing football scores. He has prepared for a potentially extended duration of the Conclave by bringing extra socks.
Source link
