BOSTON (MA)
WCVB
BOSTON —Local Catholics and victims of the church sex abuse scandal are speaking out Thursday, and some say Cardinal Sean O’Malley should be the next pope.
Bernie McDaid, a clergy sex abuse victim from Peabody, was one of the few victims to meet with Pope Benedict XVI. He believes the crisis played a huge role in the pope’s decision.
“Change is here, folks, whether you like it or not. It’s here,” McDaid said.
Now, McDaid is looking past his differences with O’Malley, saying he understands the gravity of sexual abuse and has truly listened to the victims.
“Sean O’Malley should the next pope and very well could,” he said.
He said unless the church hears the voices of victims, “I believe the church is doomed.”
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