One of the 16 American cardinals is Seàn Patrick O'Malley from Ohio. He is a founding member of the inner circle of cardinals that advises the Pope on the governance of the Church—the Council of Cardinals.
But on June 29, the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, the cardinal celebrates his 80th birthday and loses the right to vote in a future conclave. His tenure as the president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors—a role he has held since 2014—also comes to an end.
O'Malley was created a cardinal in 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI.
And he stands out for his red hat with the brown habit of his religious order, the Capuchin Franciscans.
CARD. SEÀN PATRICK O'MALLEY
Archbishop of Boston, Massachusetts
I've worn this uniform for over 40 years, and I presume that I will wear it until I will die, because I don't expect to be elected Pope, so I don't expect to have a change in wardrobe.
As president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, he has spoken about the Church's urgent task in confronting the crisis of abuse. And he highlighted the focus must be placed on protecting children.
CARD. SEÀN PATRICK O'MALLEY
Archbishop of Boston, Massachusetts
The principle that was so clearly articulated by John Paul II, 'there is no place in ministry for someone who harms a child,' and that has to be a line in the sand.
Responding to criticism that the Commission's progress has been slow, Cardinal O'Malley reiterated its mission: improving the Church's response to sexual abuse.
O'Malley is the American cardinal with the most prestige at the Vatican with his current positions. And with his birthday, the number of American cardinals eligible to vote in a future conclave drops to nine.
KG
