TORONTO, Ont. – Many parishioners heading into mass at St. Michael’s Cathedral here in Toronto say they are hoping for a smooth conclave for the cardinals, including their very own Archbishop Thomas Collins.

“I just pray that all goes well for them, especially because Cardinal Collins is there, he’s very special,” said one woman.

Others, meanwhile, say they want to see the cardinals select a progressive pope willing to modernize the church leadership.

“I really hope there is a change, there is a drastic change in the way the church is run, or it’s just going to become nonexistent in daily life,” said one man.

Overall, the consensus among those present at St. Michael’s Tuesday was that this is an exciting and historic time for the Catholic church.

The selection process is one that resonates around the world, even with many non-Catholics who are interested to see what happens.