"I thought the American cardinals were quite divided about where to go, " said Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor, who didn't enter the conclave because he is above the voting-age limit of 80 years.

WSJ: How Jorge Mario Bergoglio Became Pope Francis

"I thought the American cardinals were quite divided about where to go, " said Cardinal O'Connor, who didn't enter the conclave because he is above the voting-age limit of 80 years.

WSJ: With Speech, Cardinal Set Path to Papacy

He is the U.K.'s only cardinal of voting age, and he was not due to step down until March 17 when he will reach the church's retirement age of 75 years.

WSJ: Scottish Cardinal Resigns