Cardinal Thomas Collins from Guelph is among the 135 cardinals who will choose Pope Francis’s successor. He arrived in Rome on Tuesday for his second conclave, participating in daily meetings with other cardinals before Francis’s funeral on Saturday. The meetings, led by the dean of the College of Cardinals, discuss church-related issues starting at 9 a.m. A conclave will begin after a nine-day period of mourning, during which the cardinals isolate themselves to pray and select the new pope. Collins mentioned that while there are over 250 cardinals in attendance, only those under 80 can vote.
During the conclave, the cardinals pray before voting for the new pope. The votes are written on cards and placed in a silver bowl before being read out. Collins had previously participated in a conclave in 2013, just a year after becoming a cardinal, and he now feels more familiar with the process. Representing the Royal City in Rome as one of five cardinals from Canada, he spoke about Pope Francis’s legacy, highlighting his love for the poor and his compassion towards those who suffered. Pope Francis passed away on Monday at the age of 88, following a stroke and heart failure.
Collins pointed out the significance of representing his city in Rome and shared his reflections on Pope Francis as a compassionate, loving figure who reached out to the marginalized and suffering. He emphasized the strong example that Pope Francis set in his commitment to the poor, drawing comparisons to Pope John Paul II’s fidelity through suffering. Collins acknowledged the impact of Pope Francis’s papacy and the importance of selecting a new pope to continue the work and legacy of their predecessor. The conclave process involves all cardinals, regardless of seniority, each having a vote in selecting the new pope.
With over 250 cardinals present at the conclave, many of them above the age of 80 and thus ineligible to vote, the responsibility falls on those under 80 to choose the next pope. The isolation during the period of mourning allows the cardinals to focus on prayer and discernment in selecting the next leader of the Catholic Church. Collins shared details about the voting process, where the cardinals write their votes on cards that are then placed in a silver bowl. As they gather to make this important decision, Collins reflected on the weight of the responsibility and the need for prayer and reflection in choosing the new pope.
Reflecting on the recent passing of Pope Francis, Collins spoke about the impact of his papacy and the legacy he leaves behind, particularly in his dedication to serving the poor and marginalized. He noted the importance of continuing this work in selecting the next pope and ensuring that the values and principles of compassion and service remain central to the leadership of the Catholic Church. As one of the cardinals tasked with this responsibility, Collins expressed his commitment to the process and the significance of representing his community and country in this important decision-making role.
