Cardinal O'Malley in Rome As Pope Prepares to Step down

By Colneth Smiley Jr.
Boston Herald
February 28, 2013

http://bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_coverage/2013/02/cardinal_o_malley_in_rome_as_pope_prepares_to_step_down

The Archbishop of Boston Cardinal Seán O'Malley, OFM, Cap. catches up on the news aboard a flight to Rome yesterday. Cardinal O’Malley will be joining his fellow cardinals for a meeting with the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday, February 28, 2013.

[with video]

Boston Cardinal Sean O’Malley flew to Rome last night, where he will join other cardinals tomorrow as they meet with Pope Benedict XVI for the final time before the pontiff steps down.

The Archdiocese of Boston today released a photograph of Cardinal O’Malley reading a newspaper onboard his flight to Rome.

Vatican watchers last week were circulating O’Malley’s name as a possible successor to the pope. But O’Malley, who has been praised for his handling of the Catholic priest sex abuse scandal in the United States, has said he has no interest in the post.

“In these days, there will be endless speculation about candidates and outcomes. I assure you no cardinal goes into the conclave with the ambition of being chosen for this overwhelming responsibility,” O’Malley said last week.

Pope Benedict XVI took part in his final general audience at St. Peter’s Square today before a crowd estimated at 150,000.

The pope made his final public appearance in St. Peter’s a personal one, explaining once again why he was becoming the first pope in 600 years to resign and urging the faithful to pray for his successor.

“To love the church means also to have the courage to take difficult, painful decisions, always keeping the good of the church in mind, not oneself,” Benedict said to thundering applause.

Vatican officials say the cardinals will begin meeting Monday to decide when to set the date for the conclave to select a new pope.