LONDON (CWNews.com) - Bishop Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, bishop of Arundel and Brighton since 1977, was named today by Pope John Paul II as the successor to the late Cardinal Basil Hume of Westminster, ending weeks of speculation and conjecture.

    Speaking at a press conference this morning, the archbishop-elect, 67, said: "Although I am not as young as I was when I first became a bishop, I now undertake this new task with equal willingness, encouraged as I know I will be by the good wishes and prayers of so very many people."

    The fifth son of Dr. George Murphy-O'Connor and his wife, Ellen, Cormac Murphy-O'Connor studied for the priesthood at the English College, Rome. His brother Brian, is a priest of Portsmouth diocese, as was his deceased brother, Patrick.

    Archbishop-elect Murphy-O'Connor has been known for his work in relations between the Catholic and Anglican Churches and was awarded a Doctorate in Divinity by the Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. George Carey, in recognition of all his work for ecumenism.

    The archbishop-elect has also recently made his opinion known on several issues facing the Church in Great Britain. He told British radio today he viewed debate over Section 28, a law forbidding promotion of homosexuality in schools, in the context of teaching students the importance of marriage and family. Bishop Murphy-O'Connor is also known for his vocal opposition to abortion and euthanasia.

    Also announced this morning was the appointment of Bishop Vincent Nichols -- Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster since 1992 -- as Archbishop of Birmingham.

    Archbishop-Elect Nichols said: "I am deeply honored by my appointment to be the next archbishop of Birmingham. It is an awesome responsibility, and a very new step for me."