BISHOP VINCENT NICHOLS: A sacred ambition

When Bishop Vincent Nichols presided over the burial of Cardinal Basil Hume, his friend and mentor, in the summer of 1999, most of those at the funeral suspected that they were watching the man about to become the next Archbishop of Westminster. Rome had other ideas, however. Although Nichols was one of three names to make the shortlist – or terna – for the most senior clerical position in the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, he was passed over in favour of Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, the Bishop of Arundel and Brighton.

The problem for Nichols was that he was seen by some in the Vatican to be a liberal. He was among a number of Western clerics to call for a Third Vatican Council, a move that critics said reflected badly against him. The Holy See was never in any doubt about his ability but it wanted to take a closer look. He was promoted to Birmingham.

Rome is looking very closely at Archbishop Nichols once again now that the See of Westminster is soon to become vacant, and this time it will view a man who has become altogether more orthodox.

A dynamic and charismatic Liverpudlian, Nichols, 66, has become a doughty defender of the Catholic Church, appearing on television to answer criticism of clerical paedophile abuse, the role of Catholic schools and attacks on other institutions, such as adoption agencies that refuse to place children with same-sex couples.

He is one of three sons of schoolteachers Harry and Mary and was educated by the Christian Brothers at St Mary’s College in his native Crosby, an affluent suburb of the city. Growing up in a strong Catholic community, Nichols was drawn to the Church at an early age. He served as an altar boy before becoming a priest in Rome in 1963.

In 1998, by now Bishop Nichols, he was appointed as chairman of the bishops’ Department for Catholic Education and Formation, and also Chairman of the Catholic Education Service, positions he still holds. He was installed as Archbishop of Birmingham in March 2000.He provided commentary for the BBC’s coverage of the funeral of Pope John Paul II. When asked by Huw Edwards to describe what was taking place at the consecration of the host, he said: “No, Huw. This is an important part of the Mass – we will be quiet.”

This anecdote illustrates in a vivid way what many Catholics already know. Nichols is a man of courage, intelligence and quick wit, who can think on his feet. He is sociable and warm with a sharp sense of humour – and like the Newcastle United-loving Cardinal Hume, he is football mad.

More than this, Nichols has revealed himself as a man who is deeply convinced of the truth of the Catholic faith and a conscientious servant of the Church.