Pope Benedict XVI announced he will resign from his office on February 28. The pontiff has held his title since succeeding Pope John Paul II in April, 2005.
The announcement has sparked the usual speculation and interest that accompany any conclave. CNN reports a British bookmaker is handicapping the list of possible successors. Although the story makes no mention of Boston Archbishop Sean O'Malley, some are mentioning him as the next head of the Roman Catholic Church.
Rumors surrounding O'Malley stem from a story in the National Catholic Reporter. The story cites multiple sources within the Vatican who suggest O'Malley's calm demeanor, able handling of the sex-abuse scandal in Boston as well as his humble demeanor and brown habit appear to give the Vatican a chance to embrace a new image after centuries of purported power games and a legacy of secrecy. O'malley sold the Cardinal's residence in order to pay settlements stmming from the sex abuse crisis and now has one room in the seminary.
O'Malley has deferred the speculation by telling the media he hasn't lost any sleep over the rumors and he has a round-trip ticket when travelling to Rome for the Conclave.
O'Malley, in my opinion, has done an admirable job of heading the Archdiocese. The abuse scandal is just one of the many responsibilities that come with his job. I for one hope he is not elected as the 266th pope.
My reasoning for this is simple: Archbishop O'Malley is too important to the Archdiocese of Boston to leave and lead the entire faith. There is still much work to be done by the Church in Boston. O'Malley is the best man for that task.
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