There is something about the simple, austere life of a Capuchin friar that appeals to both Catholic clergy, and the Catholic world at large, and Cardinal Sean O'Malley has become the embodiment of that pure character in the run-up to the papal election.
That character, in combination with his proven track record of grassroots-level outreach, and his firm handling of subordinate clergy in the sexual abuse scandal, has made O'Malley one of the most talked-about names among all the "papabili" -- or papal candidates.
O'Malley, 68, became the Archbishop of Boston in 2003, and three years later was elevated to cardinal status by Pope Benedict XVI. It was the years he spent long before that, however, as a young pastor and Franciscan friar, which likely shaped his humble image.
He even used the simple brown robes worn by the Capuchins, his order of friars, as his defining trait in his own humble rejection of the very notion he could ever be elected pope.
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[h=3]Cardinal Sean O'Malley[/h]
"I have worn this uniform for over 40 years," he said, "and I presume I will wear it till I will die because I don't expect to be elected pope."
The Catholic News Service's reporter John Allen said O'Malley is viewed as the
That character, in combination with his proven track record of grassroots-level outreach, and his firm handling of subordinate clergy in the sexual abuse scandal, has made O'Malley one of the most talked-about names among all the "papabili" -- or papal candidates.
O'Malley, 68, became the Archbishop of Boston in 2003, and three years later was elevated to cardinal status by Pope Benedict XVI. It was the years he spent long before that, however, as a young pastor and Franciscan friar, which likely shaped his humble image.
He even used the simple brown robes worn by the Capuchins, his order of friars, as his defining trait in his own humble rejection of the very notion he could ever be elected pope.
[h=3]Cardinal Sean O'Malley[/h]
"I have worn this uniform for over 40 years," he said, "and I presume I will wear it till I will die because I don't expect to be elected pope."
The Catholic News Service's reporter John Allen said O'Malley is viewed as the