People urged to pray as vote happens

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.

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Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who is one of more than 130 electors entering the conclave today, 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.