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Archbishop Vincent Nichols to become cardinal in Rome ceremony Archbishop Vincent Nichols to become cardinal in Rome ceremony
(about 1 hour later)
The leader of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales is to become a cardinal at a ceremony in Rome.The leader of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales is to become a cardinal at a ceremony in Rome.
Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols is to be created a cardinal by Pope Francis.Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols is to be created a cardinal by Pope Francis.
Cardinals, who wear red hats and robes, are the most senior clergymen in the Roman Catholic Church below the pope. Cardinals, who wear red hats and robes, are the most senior clergymen in the Roman Catholic Church below the Pope.
Archbishop Nichols is one of 19 new cardinals being appointed and, because he is under 80, will be eligible to elect the pope's successor. Archbishop Nichols is one of 19 new cardinals being appointed and will be eligible to elect future popes, until he reaches the age of 80.
During Saturday's ceremony at St Peter's Basilica, known as a consistory, the 68-year-old will kneel before the pope and have a scarlet biretta placed on his head and will receive a ring. The archbishop, delivering Thought for the Day on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, said being made a cardinal would feel like "a remarkable moment".
He said: "When I first heard the news of the appointment, I was filled with trepidation.
"But since then, I have been so heartened by the encouragement and support I have been offered."
He noted that relatively few of the new cardinals were from European countries, adding that the Pope was "broadening the perspectives of those who advise him".
Archbishop Nichols said the new cardinals would "assist Pope Francis in his ministry to the worldwide Catholic church".
'Great joy'
Speaking from Rome, he added: "Those who wear these robes are proclaiming their readiness to be faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ even to the shedding of their blood. Today, then, has a more sombre side.
"But it remains a moment of great joy and enjoy it to the full I will."
During Saturday's ceremony at St Peter's Basilica, known as a consistory, the 68-year-old will kneel before the Pope and have a scarlet biretta placed on his head. He will also receive a ring.
The reason the biretta is red is to symbolise each wearer's willingness to give their lives for the Catholic faith.The reason the biretta is red is to symbolise each wearer's willingness to give their lives for the Catholic faith.
Each bishop being appointed will promise fidelity to the death to the pope. Each bishop being appointed will promise fidelity to the Pope.
Following the ceremony, there are typically various receptions held in the Vatican.Following the ceremony, there are typically various receptions held in the Vatican.
They are often held on the first floor of the Apostolic Palace, but they have also been held in the Audience Hall and Vatican Museum.They are often held on the first floor of the Apostolic Palace, but they have also been held in the Audience Hall and Vatican Museum.
The pope and the 19 new cardinals - who hail from 15 different countries, including the likes of South Korea, the Ivory Coast and Burkino Faso - celebrate Mass in St Peter's Basilica the next day. The pope and the 19 new cardinals - who come from 15 different countries, including South Korea, Ivory Coast and Burkino Faso - celebrate Mass in St Peter's Basilica the next day.
Archbishop Nichols is the 11th Archbishop of Westminster to receive the honour of becoming a cardinal.Archbishop Nichols is the 11th Archbishop of Westminster to receive the honour of becoming a cardinal.
The archbishop, who was born in Liverpool, has been recently critical of the government's benefit changes. The archbishop, who was born in Liverpool, has recently been critical of the government's benefit changes.
Earlier this month, he called the coalition's welfare reforms a "disgrace" that had left vulnerable people facing "hunger and destitution".Earlier this month, he called the coalition's welfare reforms a "disgrace" that had left vulnerable people facing "hunger and destitution".
On the day it was announced he would become a cardinal, Archbishop Nichols said it was a "humbling moment".On the day it was announced he would become a cardinal, Archbishop Nichols said it was a "humbling moment".
He said it would enable him to "on behalf of all, to serve the pope in a direct and prolonged way".He said it would enable him to "on behalf of all, to serve the pope in a direct and prolonged way".