Cardinal Hollerich reveals details about the conclave

« I am very happy about the choice of Leo XIV. His predecessor, Pope Francis, was on my birthday in Luxembourg and the new Pope also accompanied him, » says a lady who takes part in a choral singing in the crypt of the cathedral. Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, who has returned from Rome to celebrate Oktav on Saturday, is also pleased about the appointment.

Was Robert Francis Prevost one of his favorites in the election? « Well, I was happy when he was elected. I can only talk about my feelings, not about the choice, » Hollerich smiles during a press conference called for Saturday. However, he does not surprise him, he reveals.

Checks like at the airport

« He was elected with more than two thirds of the voices, » reveals Cardinal Hollerich. Participation in the conclave was an extraordinary experience for him, he adds. And gives further details price: everyone had their place in the Sistine chapel, Hollerich had number 66 out of 133. The mood among the cardinals was very good.

In the Vatican there were controls like at the airport, the luggage was examined. « We had to hand in our cell phones, as well as the reader. I also had to do without my digital clock and buy a normal wristwatch on site, but with a wake -up function, » the cardinal gave an insight behind the scenes. The windows were allowed to be opened, but not the roller shutters to prevent communication with the outside world during the complaint.

The electoral courses last a long time: « 133 cardinals have to step on the urn and say a short text. Then the count begins. » Thereupon three people who are responsible for counting are responsible. Incidentally, Jean-Claude Hollerich had to count the ballot papers at the first ballot. « Three people are pulled by lot to control the count, » said Hollerich. And: « Three more, who, if there were someone who could not participate for reasons of illness, would not have to pick up the ballot papers. »

It is also interesting to function the fireplace: « After the counting, all notes are burned in the oven. But there are actually two ovens that are connected. » If you would throw too much paper in the fireplace from which the smoke should later come, this would disturb the chemical process. Therefore, the other oven is used for this.

There were already three robes ready for the new Pope. « It looks like they haven’t believed that he would be the next Pope because she did not fit him and therefore took it longer to adapt it to him, » says Hollerich.

Old acquaintances: Cardinal Hollerich and Pope Leo XIV.

Since Robert Francis Prevost is American, but also has Peruvian citizenship, this double culture certainly played a role in his appointment. « Since he was a general of his order in Rome, he also has experience in leading a group from all over the world, » says Hollerich. He knows the new Pope well because both of them had worked together in the working group for the training of the bishops.

« Leo XIV is a gentle man, but this gentleness is not a weakness. His predecessor was a little more spirited. But behind Leo’s gentleness there is a strong character, he knows exactly what he wants and he is a very simple bishop, » Hollerich describes the new Pope.

Not chosen for political reasons

According to Hollerich, the new Pope will listen to the bishops and the cardinals. He knows the cultural differences and will not limit himself to uniformity. The swearing -in of Michelangelo’s frescoes shows the seriousness of this choice, which is not a banality, according to the cardinal. « Before God, we choose the one who appears to us the most suitable to succeed Petrus, Bishop of Rome. »

The pope election is not about political elections or favors, but about the determination of the head of the Catholic Church. « Leo XIV is the first American to take on this role. He was not chosen for political reasons to form a counterweight to US President Donald Trump, » it continues.

During Francis’s pontificate, Hollerich was one of the closest confidants. But is the Luxemburger now not entitled to such a role? The cardinal gives a clear answer: for him it is normal for him to renew the institution. In addition, he has other tasks and the will to be more present in the Catholic community in Luxembourg.

Jean-Claude Hollerich himself was named as a possible papal candidate on some election lists. This was not happy and ashamed. « I know how things are going behind the scenes and I knew that it wasn’t meant seriously ».