ROME– The newly appointed English Cardinal Vincent Nichols said Monday Pope Francis has started a “radical renewal” in the Catholic Church.

 At a press conference held in the Venerable English College, the Archbishop of Westminster shared his reflections on the “vivid experience” of the Consistory of Cardinals. He was among 18 prelates to join the highest rank of Catholic clergy, only four of whom were European. “These nominations reflect diversity and universality of the Church”, said Cardinal Nichols, stressing the importance of Francis’s message to escape the traditionally Eurocentric perspective in favour of a broader, all-encompassing view of the Church.

 Reflecting upon the proceedings of the Consistory, Archbishop Nichols spoke of “warmth and delight” which characterised the events, and the “depth and richness of friendships” forged in these last few days through a shared experience of faith.

 In the oldest English institution in Italy, where Cardinal Nichols studied for the priesthood between 1963-1970, he outlined his imminent goals and priorities, clearly viewing the honour bestowed upon him as a mission rather than a promotion. “Cardinals are commonly referred to as ‘princes of the Church’”, he noted, “but the colour of scarlet symbolises readiness to shed blood”, to sacrifice oneself for the Church and for the Catholic faith."  

 Sharing the pontiff`s keen concern for the needs of the poor, the Archbishop of Westminster expressed his determination to continue in the direction set by his work in London. One of the first issues to be brought to the attention of the general forum is that of human trafficking, which will be discussed in April at the Second International Conference devoted to this problem, to be chaired by Nichols himself, and attended by Church leaders and heads of police from all over the world. According to Cardinal Nichols, the main goals for the Church are to raise awareness, provide immediate refuge and help in the victims’ reintegration into society, and these can only be achieved in close cooperation with law enforcement offices around the world.

 Asked to share his view of the emerging papacy, Cardinal Nichols defined the path chosen by Francis as that of a “radical renewal.” According to Nichols, it is about exploring the essence of Catholic faith, “the very heart of why the Church exists.” Referring to the recent debate on the place and consequences of divorce within the Church community, Cardinal Nichols emphasised the importance of treating those whose marriages broke down “as individuals, not a category”, and, as Pope Francis has frequently stressed, surrounding them with pastoral care – “intelligent, courageous, and full of love.”