Apr 12, 2008 3:08 pm US/Eastern
O'Malley Disappointed Pope's Not Coming To Boston
BOSTON (AP) ―
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Franco Origlia/Getty Images
Boston's Cardinal Sean O'Malley says he's "disappointed" that Pope Benedict won't be visiting Boston on his first U.S. trip.
But he tells the Boston Herald that he also believes the visit will encourage American Catholics.
Benedict will visit New York and Washington on the six day trip, which starts Tuesday. O'Malley will be spending time with Benedict throughout the trip.
Boston was at the center of the clergy sex abuse scandal. Some have speculated the pope didn't want to highlight the scandal with a stop in Boston.
But O'Malley thinks the 81-year-old Benedict's age and the demands on him were bigger factors.
The Vatican has said Benedict will deliver a message of hope and seek to heal wounds from the scandal.
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