In a recent interview with the BBC, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the highest-ranking official of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, shared his profound experiences from the conclave that led to the election of Pope Leo XIV. Cardinal Nichols was one of the 133 cardinals who participated in this highly secretive and sacred process, which took place in Vatican City’s Sistine Chapel. Cardinal Nichols described this period of seclusion as “immensely peaceful,” shedding light on the silent dedication all cardinals exhibited during this decisive spiritual moment.
The conclave represents a critical juncture in the Catholic Church, particularly following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. During this conclave, Cardinals were not just engaging in political maneuvering; rather, they were engrossed in a deep introspective journey, free from external distractions. Cardinal Nichols emphasized that there was “no rancor” or “politicking” among the cardinals, describing the atmosphere as calm and almost serene. This enabled him to absorb the experience more fully and to appreciate the gravity of the moment.
For Cardinal Nichols, a significant aspect of this experience involved the temporary disconnection from his mobile phone. As the Archbishop of Westminster, he found that being cut off from constant notifications allowed him to devote more time to prayer and reflection. “I had more time on my hands just to be prayerful, just to reflect, just to be still,” he expressed. This lack of distractions facilitated a personal development of patience and mindfulness for him, which he warmly acknowledged as a gift from the conclave procedure.
Conclaves have been held within the sacred confines of the Sistine Chapel since the fifteenth century. Interestingly, the conclave that led to Pope Leo XIV’s election lasted only one day, a notably brisk duration compared to past conclaves, such as those held in 2005 and 2013, which extended over several days. Cardinal Nichols attributed this swiftness to the substantial groundwork laid by Pope Francis prior to his passing. “He left a college of cardinals who were dedicated, who had this desire for the church to be more missionary,” Nichols noted, alluding to the eagerness of his fellow cardinals to make a pivotal decision that would guide the Church’s future.
As the newly elected Pope Leo XIV prepares for his formal inauguration ceremony set to take place on May 18 at St. Peter’s Square, international dignitaries, including the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, who will attend on behalf of King Charles, are expected to grace the occasion. On reflecting upon Pope Leo XIV’s character, Cardinal Nichols noted that the new Pope is “very decisive in a quiet way.” He praised Pope Leo’s ability to communicate difficult messages in a compassionate manner, expressing that “a good thing about a pope is if he’s able to say, ‘No,’ to you when he thinks something is not right and then give you a hug so you don’t go away offended.”
Such insights delivered by Cardinal Nichols highlight the essence of the conclave experience, underscoring the shared commitment and tranquility that enveloped the cardinals as they fulfilled one of their most significant duties—the election of the new Pope. The conclave not only represents a moment of transition for the Catholic Church but also serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of reflection in the face of monumental decisions. As the world anticipates the new leadership under Pope Leo XIV, it seems the cardinals have not only chosen a leader but also embraced a reaffirmation of their collective mission for the Church in contemporary society.