Toronto's Cardinal Thomas Collins is heading to Vatican City with an open mind & open ears.

He talked to reporters Sunday before hopping a flight to Rome to be part conclave to choose the next pope, something he calls an "awesome process".

Pope Benedict will official step down Thursday night.

Collins says he has no idea yet what traits the next pope should have.  He says he will have to get to know the other 116 cardinals who will make up the papal conclave & hear about their hopes & concerns for the Catholic Church.

Collins did flag persecution & "rampant individualism" as some of the challenges facing Benedict's successor.

Quebec's Marc Cardinal Ouellet is considered a possible front-runner for leader of the church.

When the papal conclave will actually get to work hasn't been confirmed yet, though there are reports it could be March 10th.