BOSTON (AP) — Boston’s Cardinal Sean O'Malley has told reporters in Rome that it was moving to hold a final meeting with retiring Pope Benedict XVI, and to see thousands of people bidding him a public farewell.
O'Malley said the more significant moments for him were when the cardinals gathered with Benedict Thursday morning, and watching him leave for retirement at the papal retreat of Castel Gandolfo. O'Malley said ‘‘there was a certain moment of finality in that.’’
O'Malley, attending his first conclave to choose a new pope, said there are some ‘‘wonderful candidates,’’ but the cardinals are ‘‘still in the process of discernment and prayer.’’
O'Malley and two other American cardinals spoke with reporters at the Pontifical North American College.
Services honoring Benedict have been held across Massachusetts, including at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston.
