Papal Conclave begins this afternoon
133 Cardinals will assemble in the Sistine chapel at the Vatican this afternoon for the start of their Conclave to elect the next Pope. 135 are under 80 years of age and therefore eligible to vote, but two are ill – the Archbishop Emeritus of Sarajevo, and the Archbishop Emeritus of Valencia in Spain. Vatican News has published the schedule for the Conclave. This morning, cardinals will attend a mass, then enter the Conclave at 3.45pm. Further information about meetings and possible times when smoke may appear over the next few days are listed as 10am, 12 noon, 5.30 or 7pm. Details here
Clues about the next Pope
Two meetings of the cardinals who will go into the Conclave, have given some clues as to the character and priorities expected. According to a news release from the Vatican, the eleventh General Congregation held on Monday, “outlined the figure of a pastoral Pope” who can pursue dialogue and build relationships with different religious and cultural worlds. Key issues included migration, ongoing wars and conflicts, the Synod on Synodality and support for the new Pope. Another General Congregation meeting yesterday morning discussed carrying forward Pope Francis’ reforms, legislation on abuse, economic issues, the Roman Curia and care for creation.
The English cardinals voting in the Conclave
The voting cardinals include three from England and Wales – Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster; Arthur Roche, who has a high-ranking Vatican job, heading its Divine Worship office; and Timothy Radcliffe, the former head of the worldwide Dominican order. Michael Fitzgerald, a former Vatican official and interfaith specialist, is also in Rome attending the general congregations but, at 87, he is too old to vote. Scotland, which has its own bishops’ conference, does not have a cardinal at the moment. Northern Ireland is treated as part of the Irish bishops’ conference, where the Primate of All Ireland and Archbishop of Armagh is Eamon Martin, who is not a cardinal. His predecessor at Armagh, Cardinal Sean Brady, is now 86 and too old to vote. The absence of cardinals from both Scotland and Ireland, with four from England and Wales, is said to be a first. Read Catherine Pepinster’s explainer on how the Conclave process works here
The ‘down to earth pragmatism’ of English cardinals
Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe is said to hold authority and influence among the cardinals, after his experience as spiritual adviser to the Synod on Synodality in 2023 and 2024. He told Jonathan Luxmoore, writing for OSV News: “As Englishmen, I’d say we bring a certain down-to-earth pragmatism to the discussions, which helps transcend ideological misunderstandings. We’re also privileged to live in a country which is relatively tolerant and free of prejudice. This may be helpful to the deliberations of a church which is ever more multicultural.” Read the article here “On eve of Conclave, England’s cardinals confront a historic challenge”, by Jonathan Luxmoore © Our Sunday Visitor Publishing. Used by permission.
Young Catholics urge next Pope to give them a voice
Young Catholics from around the world have signed an open letter to the cardinals who will elect the next Pope, saying they want a Pope who will allow them a voice in shaping the church’s future. Crux Now reports that the letter is an initiative of the Belgian Catholic Church’s youth organization Kamino. It offers admiration for the way Pope Francis built a culture of dialogue and says his death offers the opportunity to “move forward on the path he paved”. It questioned why “the People of God” were not allowed to have a voice in pre-Conclave meetings, saying video messages from young people, victims of abuse, and the poor could have been played. The letter sets out that young people are seeking a church that is transparent and inclusive, where synodality and consultation is not an event but a way of life. It says: “Do not merely elect a Pope. Choose a pilgrim. A shepherd. A peacemaker. Let your choice be a step towards a Church where young people are not just welcomed but empowered as co-owners. Let your choice echo the spirit of Francis and offer a prophetic answer to the future”.
Other news
Coventry Cathedral, a centre for reconciliation through worship and art
Ever since Coventry’s destruction in the Second World War, its cathedral has been a centre for reconciliation. Within hours, the Rev Arthur Wales picked up three medieval carpenters’ nails from the ruins and used wire to bind them into a cross that immediately became a symbol of suffering and hope. The cathedral has appointed Canons of Reconciliation and Art to further its work on peace and next month Kate Massey takes up the role. She looks forward to exploring “ways to heal the wounds of history, celebrate difference and build a culture of justice and peace”. To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on 8 May, the Dean of Coventry, John Witcombe, is in Berlin for a service in the cathedral’s partner church, and at 6.30pm the Coventry bells will ring as part of a national co-ordinated VE Day bellringer event. Angela Youngman’s article on Coventry Cathedral is here
Catholic Union sets up committee on social policy
The Catholic Union has set up a Parliamentary and Society Committee, composed of chief executives of national Catholic charities and organisations, addressing societal concerns. At its inaugural meeting in April, the Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza, spoke about poverty, people and peace, saying: “I want to make Britain the best place in the world to grow up with a renewed social contract between children and adults”. Committee chair, Matt Gibbs, said this gave its work “a catalyst for advocacy and change”.
United Methodist bishops clarify rules on same sex marriage
United Methodist bishops have issued a statement clarifying a recent church court ruling that trustees can neither forbid nor compel their pastor’s performance of same-sex weddings within the church facility. The Council of Bishops said ministers will continue to exercise their authority to decide on marriage “with deep pastoral sensitivity to the congregation and community to which they are appointed”. The Council said the court decision does not negate the powers and duties of conferences in UM regions in Africa, Europe and the Philippines, where many countries ban same-sex weddings in law. Heather Hahn, writing in UM News, explains that these conferences are allowed to set their own standards for clergy ordination and marriage rites. The report says that The Philippines, West Africa and Africa central conferences have put policies in place that recognize marriage only between a man and woman.
Support for British Jewish history month
The House of Commons has backed the idea of establishing a British Jewish History Month. It was put forward in a backbench debate by the Conservative MP for the Cities of London and Westminster, Nickie Aiken. She said it was right to celebrate the achievements of minorities in this country and continue to educate future generations. “I believe it is now time we remind ourselves of the remarkable contribution the Jewish community has made for our nation, often after suffering the greatest hardships and to celebrate the value of difference.” Communities minister Lee Rowley said it was a “brilliant idea”, the Government was “very supportive” and would listen to the Jewish community’s thoughts on the proposal. Standard story here
Muslim Aid marks 40th anniversary
Muslim Aid, which offers humanitarian aid across 70 countries including the UK, is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a programme of events and an initiative to drive sustainable development for underprivileged communities in the UK and beyond. Its founder, Yusuf Islam, who was formerly the singer Cat Stevens, said: “For four decades, Muslim Aid has embodied the spirit of compassion and service, reaching out to humanity in need across the globe. Our journey has been guided by the principles of love and community consciousness, and the commitment to make a positive difference in the lives of others. With the current cost-of-living crisis deepening in the UK, Muslim Aid is intensifying its domestic relief efforts, ensuring that its humanitarian mission serves those in need, both abroad and at home”.
