Pope, Cardinal O'Malley Share 'Emotional Moment' With Sex Abuse Victims

BOSTON (CBS) - Cardinal Sean O'Malley is back in Boston after accompanying Pope Francis on parts of his United States trip. O'Malley says Pope Francis is both energizing and exhausting.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karyn Regal reports

"The Holy Father, despite at times being so exhausted, always exudes a certain serenity and peace. He never seems rushed about things," the cardinal explains. "He was always happy to spend time with people and individuals, and it was a great privilege to be a fly on the wall as it were."

O'Malley says his most meaningful moment occurred when Pope Francis met with victims of clergy sex abuse.

"The meeting with the victims and their families was a very moving and emotional moment and I think in many ways embodied that spirit of mercy that the Holy Father wants to bring to the life of the church," he recalls.

The cardinal was also asked about the pope's commitment to clergy sex abuse, specifically why Cardinal Bernard Law had not been punished if the Vatican cares so much about this issue.

Cardinal O'Malley responded that Cardinal Law had been removed from Boston.