Cardinal asks people to pray for Pope electors

ONE of the UK’s most senior Catholic leaders has called on people to pray for himself and other Cardinals as they embark this week on the secret voting process to elect a new Pope.

- AINE FOX

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who is one of more than 130 electors entering conclave at the Vatican today, has 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 above the Vatican City to confirm there is a new Pope.

Up to four votes will be held each day apart from the first, as proceedings will not get under way until the afternoon today.

Cardinal Nichols, who is the leader of England and Wales’ Catholics, has been in Rome since shortly after the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday and described getting to know his fellow Cardinals during lengthy meetings in the days since.