Breaking News: Cardinal reveals what it was like to be part of conclave to choose pope Leo as the first American pope..see more details 👇 👇

Breaking News: Cardinal reveals what it was like to be part of conclave to choose pope Leo as the first American pope..see more details 👇 👇

Cardinal Nichols Shares Insights on Historic Conclave That Elected Pope Leo XIV, First American Pope

In a rare and candid reflection, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster and leader of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, has offered a glimpse into the sacred and secretive process of the papal conclave that elected Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope in the Church’s history.
The conclave, held in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel from May 7 to May 8, 2025, followed the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. Nichols’ account, shared in an interview with The Tablet, paints a picture of a remarkably unified and serene process that culminated in a historic moment for the Catholic Church.

A Swift and Peaceful Conclave
The 2025 conclave was notable for its brevity, lasting just one day—a rarity in modern papal elections. Cardinal Nichols, one of 133 cardinal electors and among the oldest at 79, described the atmosphere as “immensely peaceful” and devoid of the “rancour” or “politicking” that some might expect in such a high-stakes gathering. “There was no one trying to dictate what should happen,” Nichols said, emphasizing the absence of factionalism. “It was a rather wonderful experience.”

This tranquility, Nichols suggested, was a testament to the legacy of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 after a decade-long papacy. Francis, known for his emphasis on synodality and a missionary Church, left behind a College of Cardinals that Nichols described as “cohesive” and aligned in its vision. “The cardinals were clear about what kind of Church we want to be,” Nichols noted, crediting Francis for fostering a sense of unity that expedited the election process.

The conclave began on May 7, with the cardinals swearing oaths of secrecy and entering the Sistine Chapel under the gaze of Michelangelo’s Last Judgment. After a day of prayer, reflection, and voting, white smoke rose from the Vatican chimney on May 8, signaling the election of a new pope. Cardinal Robert Prevost, the Chicago-born Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, emerged as the choice, taking the name Leo XIV in honor of the 13th-century Pope Leo XIII, known for his intellectual rigor and social teachings.

The Election of an American Pope
The election of an American as pope was a historic milestone, breaking the long-standing European dominance of the papacy. Cardinal Prevost, 68 at the time of his election, brought a unique background to the role. Born in Chicago, he joined the Augustinian order and served as a missionary in Peru before rising through the ranks of the Church.
His tenure as a bishop in Peru and later as a key figure in the Vatican under Pope Francis showcased his pastoral experience and administrative acumen.
Cardinal Nichols praised Prevost’s character, describing him as a leader capable of making “decisive decisions” with “compassion and humility.” Nichols highlighted Prevost’s ability to balance strength and gentleness, qualities that likely resonated with the cardinals seeking a pope to navigate the Church through a complex global landscape. “He has a clarity of vision but also a deep sense of mercy,” Nichols said, suggesting that these traits made Prevost a compelling choice.

The choice of an American pope also carried symbolic weight. The United States, home to over 70 million Catholics, has long been a financial and cultural powerhouse within the Church, yet no American had ever ascended to the papacy. Prevost’s election was seen as a nod to the growing influence of the Global South and the Americas, where Catholicism remains vibrant amid declining numbers in Europe.

The Conclave Process: A Sacred Responsibility
Nichols’ reflections shed light on the conclave’s inner workings, a process shrouded in secrecy and steeped in tradition. The cardinals, all under the age of 80 as required by Church law, gathered in the Sistine Chapel after days of preparatory meetings known as congregations. These meetings allowed the cardinals to discuss the Church’s challenges, from declining vocations in the West to the rise of secularism and the need for interfaith dialogue.

Once inside the conclave, the cardinals followed a meticulous voting process, casting ballots in multiple rounds until a candidate achieved a two-thirds majority. Nichols noted that the brevity of the 2025 conclave did not reflect haste but rather a shared sense of purpose. “The Holy Spirit was at work,” he said, echoing the traditional Catholic belief that divine guidance shapes the outcome of a conclave.

The Sistine Chapel itself, Nichols remarked, added to the solemnity of the occasion. “You’re surrounded by this extraordinary art, reminding you of the eternal stakes of what you’re doing,” he said. The cardinals’ deliberations were punctuated by moments of silence and prayer, fostering an atmosphere of discernment rather than debate.

Pope Leo XIV’s Vision and Challenges
Since his election, Pope Leo XIV has signaled a commitment to continuity with Pope Francis’ emphasis on mercy, synodality, and outreach to the marginalized. His choice of the name Leo, evoking Leo XIII’s legacy of engaging with modernity, suggests an intention to address contemporary issues with intellectual and pastoral depth. Early in his papacy, Leo XIV has spoken about the need for the Church to be a “field hospital” for a wounded world, echoing Francis while adding his own emphasis on fostering unity amid polarization.

The challenges facing Leo XIV are formidable. He inherits a Church grappling with declining attendance in Europe and North America, ongoing debates over issues like women’s roles and married clergy, and the need to strengthen ties with growing Catholic communities in Africa and Asia. As an American, he also faces scrutiny over how his nationality might shape perceptions of the Church’s neutrality in global affairs.

Cardinal Nichols expressed confidence in Leo’s ability to rise to these challenges. “He has the experience of a missionary, the heart of a pastor, and the mind of a leader,” Nichols said. “He will listen, but he will also act.”

A Historic Moment for the Church
The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a new chapter in the Catholic Church’s 2,000-year history. For Cardinal Nichols, participating in the conclave was a profound privilege, one that underscored the Church’s ability to renew itself through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. His reflections offer a rare window into a process that, while cloaked in secrecy, has far-reaching implications for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.

As Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate, the Church stands at a crossroads, balancing tradition with the demands of a rapidly changing world. Nichols’ account of the conclave serves as a reminder of the faith, unity, and hope that continue to guide the Church, even in moments of historic transition.
Sources: The Tablet, Vatican News, and public statements from Cardinal Vincent Nichols.