PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – While an American is unlikely to be chosen as the pope, there are some who think very highly of Pittsburgh-native Donald Wuerl.

“We are here this morning so that we can pray — pray for all the Cardinal electors who are gathering as of Tuesday morning to begin the conclave,” Cardinal Wuerl said this weekend.

Cardinal Wuerl arrived early Sunday to celebrate Mass at St. Peter in Chains – his church in the eternal city.

“That’s the title why I can vote in the conclave. Every Cardinal has a church in Rome and it’s because he is a nominal pastor in Rome that he gets to vote in the conclave,” Cardinal Wuerl said.

Wuerl is among the 115 Cardinals under the age of 80 participating in the conclave that starts Tuesday.

Wuerl was born in Pittsburgh in 1940 and was named Bishop of Pittsburgh by Pope John Paul II in 1988.

Now, Cardinal Wuerl lives in Washington, D.C.

“The difference between my affection for Pittsburgh and Washington is Pittsburgh is like my mother church and Washington is my bride. So, I ask all of you in Pittsburgh to keep me in your prayers. I love all of you, and you always have a big place in my heart,” Cardinal Wuerl said.

During a light moment with the press in Rome this weekend, Wuerl gracefully managed to dance around the delicate subject of naming his favorite football team.

• Watch Kym Gable’s report:

“I never get into any controversial topics before I go into a conclave; however, it is important to note that the Redskins and the Steelers play in two different conferences so I can vote, I can cheer for both,” Cardinal Wuerl said.

After asking the people in his two hometowns for continued prayer, Wuerl begins the process of picking the next pope.

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