Would You Like to See Cardinal O’Malley Become Pope?

With the papal conclave to choose the next pope beginning Tuesday, speculation has grown over the past weeks that one of Boston’s own could become the Catholic Church’s new leader.

Cardinal Sean O’Malley could become the new pontiff following Pope Benedict XVI’s Feb. 11 resignation, according to the National Catholic Reporter.

An online poll by an Italian newspaper showed lots of enthusiasm for O'Malley's candidacy. Of course the opinions that matter will be those of the scarlet-robed clerics who have real votes.

Though it is less likely an American would be elected, it’s not impossible, and O’Malley has as good a chance as any Western papal candidate, according to the Reporter.

O’Malley, 68, has been lauded for his efforts in the wake of the church’s sex abuse crisis. However, the Reporter points to O’Malley’s wilting in 2004 while the Archdiocese of Boston suffered parish closings, which have indirectly lead to realignment.

O’Malley is highly regarded in the Catholic Church, but there has never been an American pope. Should it be O’Malley? Leave your opinion in the comments.