Who is Vincent Nichols?

Archbishop Vincent Nichols is a lifelong Liverpool FC supporter Credit: PA

Last week he made headlines for slamming the Government's austerity measures as a "disgrace". Today Archbishop Vincent Nichols will be elevated to the second highest office in the church by Pope Francis. So, who exactly is he?

He was born in Crosby, Merseyside, in 1945 to teacher parents
As a youngster he wanted to become a lorry driver
He is a life-long Liverpool FC fan - and will be ordained in red, his team's colour
He said in 2007 that his calling to the priesthood stuck during a football match

In 1992 he became the youngest bishop, at the age of 46
His graduation to Westminster nine years later is rumoured to have been at the personal request of Pope Benedict XV
He is a vocal opponent of gay marriage, saying "I think the process is shambolic."
He is the 11th Archbishop of Westminster to be named cardinal