Cardinal Dew Leaves For Pope's Funeral, Papal Election

Cardinal John Dew has asked Catholics throughout New Zealand to pray for him as he heads to Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis and the process to elect Francis’ successor.

Cardinal Dew, whom Pope Francis elevated to the College of Cardinals in 2015, flies out of New Zealand this evening in anticipation of the papal funeral on Saturday morning, Rome time.

He will become the third New Zealand cardinal to vote in a papal election, following in the footsteps of Cardinal Reginald Delargey, who participated in the two conclaves in 1978, and Cardinal Thomas Williams, who was among the cardinals to elect Pope Benedict XVI in 2005.

“Catholics around the world are mourning the death of Francis,” Cardinal Dew said.

“People around the world have admired him and held him in such high esteem because of the person he was, because of the way he lived his papacy, because of the model that he showed us of being simple and humble, and his concern for the vulnerable and the marginalised, the poor, those who struggle in any way.”

In a press conference at the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Wellington, he mentioned refugees, people who are trafficked and the effects of climate change as focus areas for Pope Francis.

Cardinal Dew, who served as Archbishop of Wellington from 2005 until 2023, said Pope Francis gave Catholics – and the world – “a wonderful example of prayer and of trust in God”.

He said one of many things Pope Francis will be remembered for is choosing hope as the theme for the current Jubilee Year.

“It’s sad that he has died during this whole year, when he's made this year, this Jubilee Year, time for us to reflect on what it means to be a pilgrim of hope,” Cardinal Dew said.

“I think it's going to be one of the biggest legacies he's left us. He knows that no human being can live without hope, and he knows that many people throughout the world live in despair.

“And just for the day-to-day Catholics, we all need hope in our lives. And he has reminded us that we’re pilgrims of hope.”

Cardinal Dew asked Catholics to keep him and the College of Cardinals in their prayers – during the Pope’s funeral on Saturday, and also as they prepare for and undertake the task of electing a new Pope.

“As we go into the conclave itself, into the Sistine Chapel, we are accompanied by the singing of the litany of saints,” he explained in a video message. “We will be asking the saints of the ages to pray for us and guide us.

“And I would very much appreciate your prayers to lead me, guide me, to have the Holy Spirit prompt me, so that my part in this is something that makes a contribution, and that we are all guided by the Holy Spirit, because we know that it is the Spirit of God who leads these occasions.”

Cardinal John Dew – Fact Sheet

John Atcherley Dew was born in Waipawa, Hawkes Bay on May 5, 1948.

He was educated at Catholic schools in Waipukarau and Masterton.

He attended Holy Name Seminary in Christchurch and later Holy Cross Seminary in Mosgiel.

He was ordained a priest of the Wellington Archdiocese in 1976 – by Cardinal Reginald Delargey.

He was ordained Auxiliary Bishop of Wellington in May 1995. An auxiliary bishop supports the local bishop or archbishop with his duties.

He was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Wellington in May 2004 – meaning he would succeed the incumbent.

He became Archbishop of Wellington on March 21, 2005.

He was elevated to the College of Cardinals on February 14, 2015.

He was appointed Cardinal-Priest of Sant’Ippolito Church in Rome; all Cardinals are assigned to a “titular” church.

He retired as Archbishop of Wellington on May 5, 2023 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age for bishops – 75.

Despite retiring, Cardinal John retains his voting rights in a conclave until the age of 80.

He will represent the New Zealand Bishops at the funeral this Saturday.

New Zealand Cardinals

Cardinal John is New Zealand’s fourth cardinal, following Cardinal Peter McKeefry, Cardinal Reginald Delargey and Cardinal Thomas Williams.

Cardinal McKeefry did not participate in a conclave.

Cardinal Delargey was an elector in the two conclaves held in 1978, which elected Pope John Paul and, two months later, Pope John Paul II.

Cardinal Williams was an elector in the conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI in 2005.

Cardinal John will be one of an expected 135 cardinals who will vote in this conclave.

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