OUTGOING: Pope Benedict XVI.
CATHOLICS around the region are pleased a decision on the new pope will be made soon.
Catholic cardinals entered the conclave in Rome yesterday to choose a new pope, after the retirement of Pope Benedict XVI last month.
Monsignor Frank Marriott would not speculate on who would be the next pontiff but believed it would be a few days before a decision was announced.
He said as there is no clear favourite, it may lead to a longer conclave than usual.
“I am very happy to have heard that the conclave has begun and although they might elect a pope in the first ballot, I presume it will go for a couple of days,” Monsignor Marriott said.
“Like all Catholics, I am very happy that the cardinals have gone into the conclave and I am praying and hoping that the appropriate person gets elected into the job.”
Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Bishop Les Tomlinson took a special mass yesterday morning to celebrate the occasion.