Cardinal Vincent Nichols on electing Pope Leo XIV

Cardinal Vincent Nichols• June 2, 2025

The election of Pope Leo XIV came at the end of my first and last conclave. Having been made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2014, I had never before been part of the process – and as I turn 80 in a few months’ time, please God I shall not be again. I was relieved to discover that the reality of a conclave was nothing at all like Edward Berger’s recent film. During this conclave, with 133 cardinals present, there was no rancour between us, nor any kind of politicking by which someone might have tried to promote themselves or block someone else. It was, in fact, at times marked by fraternal unity and prayerful discernment.

When we gathered in the Casa Santa Marta and the Sistine Chapel, the demands of total isolation from the outside world were fully observed. Not only did I have to make do without my mobile phone or any other electronic device, even my electric toothbrush was given a quick glance by the relevant officials. No one was taking any chances.

There has been a lot of speculation about why the first vote took so long. The answer is quite straightforward. The procedure by which each of the 133 cardinals took a solemn oath to maintain the secrecy of our conversations took longer than expected. And then Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, the former Preacher to the Papal Household, delivered a meditation that was inspiring and somewhat lengthy. Then, of course, the formal process of each cardinal, individually, casting a ballot, and the counting of them, took a long time.

At this point, I realised the need for patience. We were part of a process, established in its current form for several centuries, which would need to run its course. We meticulously followed every step to the letter. This could have been irritating – but it became an opportunity for quiet reflection.

I learned a lot about some of my brethren, gathered from five continents and 70 countries, many of whom I had not met before. For example, Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, the youngest member of the conclave, told me about his work in Mongolia. Some of his churches are tents that move with the people, and he moves with them. The peripheries to which Pope Francis was devoted were well represented, as he intended.

I was only a few feet away from Cardinal Robert Prevost when it became clear that his name had reached the required two-thirds majority to see him elected to the papacy. Cardinal Pietro Parolin – the Vatican’s Secretary of State, who was tasked with running the conclave – asked him: “Do you accept your election as Supreme Pontiff?” His response was calm, and given with great deliberation: “I accept.”

For a little while longer, only 132 people in the world knew for whom they should now pray as Pope. Cardinal Parolin then asked Cardinal Prevost by what name he wished to be known. “I am to be called Leo,” he replied. Then he withdrew to pray and to be vested, while the ballots were burned with the special chemicals that produce the white smoke and a message was sent to the basilica for the bells to be rung.

And with that, we were free once more. No sooner had the news been announced to the world by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti from the central balcony, the speculation began about what kind of papacy this will be. Much of that remains to be seen, but what is certain is that the man we elected has a rare combination of talents which made it clear that he could bring the right depth of experience to the office at this time.

Pope Leo is, after all, a citizen of the world. He was Prior General of the Augustinians twice, a role that took him all over the globe to understand and direct its international work. He has been a teacher, and also has a doctorate in canon law – so he knows how things ought to be done. He was a diocesan bishop in Peru, where sometimes he had to visit his people on horseback, and has been a member of the Roman Curia.

He also has a very gentle manner – and although he thinks clearly and can be decisive, I have seen him resolve difficulties without leaving enemies behind him. After he accepted the result of the election, a loud round of applause broke out; once he appeared on the balcony, the relatively peaceful atmosphere of the conclave gave way to very real excitement and delight. Outside, the Romans welcomed their new bishop with gusto.

For the rest of the week, Rome did what Rome does so well – it threw a party. The atmosphere in the city was enhanced by the presence of the various bands who were already there ahead of the special Jubilee of Bands and Popular Entertainment, which had long been planned for that weekend. Pope Leo welcomed them particularly during his first Sunday address – the timing seemed almost providential.

What has become clear, as the days and weeks have passed, is that Pope Leo views his office through the lens of service. Human dignity, connections between people, the bedrock of faith in Christ that underpins our common life – these are all on his list of priorities. Dialogue with those of a wide range of beliefs and viewpoints is also to the fore; so too, evidently, is an appreciation of the sheer joy with which the gift of life can be infused.

Of course, there will be challenges ahead. The powerful will continue to need to be reminded of their responsibilities towards the vulnerable, and across the world – including in the UK – governments will need to be recalled to an understanding of the essential dignity that belongs to each and every person, given to them by God, at all stages of life and in every circumstance. He will need to speak to a world that is all too often forgetful of the boundless mercy of God.

“Peace be with you!” exclaimed Pope Leo after he appeared on the balcony for the first time. It is the greeting of bishops to their people, and the greeting of the Risen Lord to His apostles. We have been given a Successor of Peter who radiates calmness, stability and a profound dedication to the Lord – but I think also one with a good sense of humour and a real zest for life. The conclave is over and the seat is no longer vacant. Thanks be to God.