VATICAN CITY – The countdown to the papal conclave is officially underway, with Catholic Church cardinals set to hold their final general congregations —two on Monday and another on Tuesday—before entering the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday to elect the successor to Pope Francis.

Among those expressing hopes for the next pope is New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan, who on Sunday said he wishes to see a pontiff who embodies the best qualities of the Church’s most recent leaders.

“The characteristics I expect for the next pope are, first of all, a smile, always a smile on the face and then humility, simplicity,” he said.

He added the ideal successor would reflect the compassion of Pope Francis, the intellectual depth of Pope Benedict XVI, and the courage and evangelical zeal of Pope John Paul II.

“If we could combine these great characteristics of theirs, it would truly be a blessing,” he said. PNA/ANSA