ROME — As jasmine blooms and tourists flood the streets of Rome, a different kind of gathering unfolds behind closed doors. Cardinals from around the world have descended upon the Eternal City—not for sightseeing, but for secretive talks, dinner parties, and coffee gatherings. Their mission: to discern who among them is fit to succeed Pope Francis.
Flashback to March 2013. Amid similar private meetings, the late Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor and other reform-minded Europeans quietly rallied behind an Argentine Jesuit named Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Their behind-the-scenes lobbying paid off. On the fifth ballot, Bergoglio rose as Pope Francis.
Today, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, now archbishop of Westminster, finds himself in Rome during another pivotal pre-conclave period. Though he steps into a role once held by Murphy-O’Connor, Nichols embraces a different style. Rather than being a vocal lobbyist, he listens carefully.
At 79, Nichols offers rare insights into the evolving dynamics among the cardinal-electors. They have gathered to say goodbye to Pope Francis and are now connecting informally before the conclave begins this Wednesday. Mornings bring meetings in a Vatican auditorium where cardinals discuss the Church’s needs and the qualities required in the next pope. These sessions include all cardinals, even those over 80. Yet, only cardinals under 80 will enter the Sistine Chapel to ultimately vote.
Outside these official gatherings, cardinals sneak away for quiet walks or discreet meals, trying to go incognito amid Rome’s bustling energy.
Nichols shares a hint of what’s emerging in this delicate process. Reflecting on Francis’ 12-year pontificate, cardinals seek a pope who embodies deep faith balanced with openness. Nichols said, “We’re looking for someone who expresses the depth of faith but also its openness.”
Named archbishop of Westminster by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009, Nichols was elevated to cardinal by Francis in 2014. Since then, he has served on key Vatican bodies, including the influential Dicastery for Bishops, helping select bishops worldwide.
“My experience is that there’s a lot of attentive listening,” Nichols said. “People might indicate a best candidate now and change their minds by Monday.”
He senses a consensus appreciating the continuity Francis represents—bridging the doctrinal rigor of St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI with the Church’s today multicultural reality. Francis expanded the College of Cardinals to include voices from far corners of the world, from Tonga to Mongolia, beyond Europe’s traditional strongholds.
Divisions and disagreements exist, naturally. Nichols chuckled, “We’re not a boys’ brigade that marches in step.” But he perceives a shared desire to consolidate Francis’ reforms and radical calls to uplift the poor, protect the planet, and prioritize humanity.
“There’s a sense that the initiatives of this man—a man of originality—need rooting,” Nichols said. “These ideas must become a stable, enduring part of how the Church reflects on humanity and our world—not just the vision of one charismatic leader.”
The spirit that helped make Francis pope—a coalition dubbed “Team Bergoglio”—also lingers. Back in 2013, this group of reformers seized on Bergoglio’s candidacy amid Italian cardinal rivalries. Their strategy included dinners and quiet advocacy to ensure Bergoglio would stand out from the start.
Nichols, however, refuses to play political games this time. “It’s no good treating the conclave like an election where I want my side to win,” he said. “I’m going with my thoughts but ready to listen, to change, and maybe persuade others too.”
As the Church prepares for a new chapter, Rome holds its breath. Behind the veil of tradition and ceremony, the fate of one of the world’s oldest institutions depends on these whispered conversations—and the quiet resolve of the cardinals who will soon decide its future.