(NECN: John Moroney, Boston) - Pope Benedict is only a few days from retirement after delivering his final Sunday blessing in Rome. At the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston, Catholics wait and wonder about what's next for their church.
The Pope's blessing was his next-to-last public appearance. The 85-year-old Pontiff said failing health and age are the reasons behind his decision to resign. He is the first Pope to do so in 600 years.
Prompted by the clergy's sexual abuse scandal, some people have been protesting outside the South End Cathedral for 11 years. They haven't been happy with Benedict, and they are not sure the next Pope will be any better, given that the College of Cardinals will be picking his successor.
One of the men mentioned as a possible successor to Benedict is Cardinal Sean O'Malley of the Archdiocese of Boston. The Cardinal hasn't commented on the reports about his Papal candidacy. Still, even members of his own flock find it difficult to believe.
The Pope is set to resign on Thursday. Cardinal O'Malley will be in attendance. When that is done, the process of selecting a new Pope will begin.
