Pope John Paul II this week appointed Florida bishop Sean Patrick O’Malley as the new archbishop of Boston, filling the position vacated by Cardinal Bernard Law last December. O’Mally, 59, one of two high-ranking Franciscan Capuchin friars serving in the US, holds a strong history of service for the poor and needy and is credited with implementing reforms at two Florida dioceses, also plagued by the priest sex abuse scandal, reported the Boston Globe and the Associated Press. His selection is widely welcomed, drawing praise from academics, attorneys, and victim advocates alike.
“There could never be a better person in the country to have this job and to try to bring about real healing in the archdiocese of Boston… He is just a very compassionate humble person who will act quickly to resolve these cases,” Victims’ attorney Roderick MacLeish told the AP.
Meanwhile in Phoenix, Santa Fe Archibishop Michael Sheehan was appointed last week as interim leader of the diocese. Phoenix Bishop Thomas O’Brien resigned over felony charges for leaving a fatal hit-and-run scene last month.
