Pope Benedict XVI Names Archbishop Seán O'Malley To The College Of Cardinals

Feb 21, 2006 / 22:00 pm

His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, announced today at the Vatican that Archbishop Seán P. O'Malley, O.F.M., Cap. has been named as a member of the College of Cardinals. Archbishop O'Malley is among the first group of Bishops to be elevated to Cardinal by His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI .

Archbishop Seán O'Malley made the following statement early this morning: "I am deeply humbled and honored to be named a Cardinal by the Holy Father, for even greater service in the Church.

While there are certain additional responsibilities that come with the privilege of serving as a Cardinal, I wish to reaffirm a commitment I made during my Installation Homily to the priests, deacons, religious and laity, who together form this great Archdiocese of Boston. That is, I am your Shepherd, your brother, and I am here to serve all the people of the Archdiocese.

Since being named Archbishop of Boston over two years ago, I have relied on the daily prayers and support of the clergy, religious, and faithful of the Archdiocese. Together, we have faced many challenges and I look forward to continuing our work together towards strengthening our Church. I continue to pray that all people of the Archdiocese will renew their commitment to our shared mission of faith and rebuilding the Church.

In the immediacy of receiving this honor from the Holy Father, in a spirit of charity, I ask for the prayerful support of the people of Boston as I assume this important role in the life of the Church."

Archbishop O'Malley was born on June 29, 1944, ordained Priest on August 29, 1970, ordained Bishop: August 2, 1984. He was Appointed Archbishop of Boston, on July 1, 2003 and  installed July 30, 2003.