Press Conference: Cardinal Vincent Nichols celebrates the election of Pope Leo XIV

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, one of 133 Cardinal-electors who took part in a Conclave that culminated in the proclamation of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, has spoken about the man who has succeeded Pope Francis as the 267th Supreme Pontiff. Describing Pope Leo XVI as a "citizen of the world," Cardinal Nichols explained why his life experience and Catholic ministry provide the necessary ingredients to lead the Catholic Church: "He was brought up on the south side of Chicago - the poorer side of Chicago. He has been the General Superior of the Augustinians twice - which basically means he's travelled the world twice - fulfilling those responsibilities. He's been a teacher, a diocesan bishop, and a member of the Roman Curia, and that's a combination of talents that, once we'd reflected on the life of the Church and what was needed at this time, made it pretty clear that here was a man who was bringing the right depth and breadth of experience to the papacy." The press conference took place at the Venerable English College in Rome at 5pm on Friday, 9 May 2025.