Cardenal highlights Francisco’s humility at his funeral while starting the road to conclave

In an emotional tribute, the cardinal John Dew New Zealand reflected this Sunday on the lasting legacy of Pope Francis and the sober simplicity of his funeral.

“I think for me, there was a deep gratitude for what Pope Francis did for the Church in the 12 years that he was a pontiff, and for the world,” said Cardinal Dew in a statement released on Sunday morning.

“It is very emotional to think about that too, that it has had such a great impact on the world.”

The cardinal described the funeral held on Saturday as “very beautifully made, very simply done”, an appropriate goodbye for a pontiff who made humility a central characteristic of his ministry.

During the nine days of mourning known as “novelty” – and in the time prior to the conclave – Cardinal Dew explained, the Cardinals College will be dedicated to “prayer and conversation” to prepare for the choice of the next pontiff.

Dew, created Cardinal by Pope Francis in 2015, will be one of the approximately 135 marinated who will participate in the vote.

“These will be opportunities to talk, so that people describe the type of person who believe it would be adequate to direct the Church, the qualities that are needed,” he said.

The purple also indicated that the cardinals will reflect on “what the Church needs today and what is needed today in the world.”

New Zealand cardinal in a conclave

Cardinal John Dew retired as a archbishop of Wellington (New Zealand) on May 5, 2023, after reaching the canonical retirement age for bishops. It is the fourth cardinal in the history of New Zealand, after the cardinals Peter McKeefry, Reginald Delangey and Thomas Williams.

Dew, who will turn 77 on May 5, will become the Third New Zealander In participating in a papal election when the conclave begins, after the conclusion of the mourning period next Sunday.

Translated and adapted by the ACI Press team. Originally published in CNA.