The Papal Conclave to replace Pope Francis begins tonight in Rome and local cardinal Daniel DiNardo, the former head of the Galveston-Houston Archdiocese will be one of the 133 with a vote.
"I'm here as a cardinal because of the gracious mercy of Pope Benedict XVI, who years ago said I think we need someone from Texas" said cardinal DiNardo to our tv partner KPRC channel 2.
Cardinal DiNardo says he feels blessed to be there, and will get to cast his ballot from the Sistine Chapel.
"You're watching the last judgement scenes, and that chapel is tall" cardinal DiNardo told KPRC, "From the point of view of just simply an ordinary person, this is really important now."
And it will be important over the next several days. As for what cardinal DiNardo is looking for in the next Pope?
"You look for a person, a cardinal who has shown in his words and actions that he is a man of unity for the church" noted DiNardo, "I want a person who can speak clearly our church teaching."
A Vatican diplomat, Pietro Parolin is considered an early favorite.
Photo: ALBERTO PIZZOLI / AFP / Getty Images