Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe

Boston's Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley has been named as a possible candidate for pope.

REUTERS

When asked about becoming pope, he said, "I don't think that it's anything that I would aspire to."

Getty Images

The cardinal (right) described the papal role as "a very lonely position."

Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe

"It’s a very diffcult task, but we’re there as cardinals to pray and encourage each other, knowing that someone needs to do it and hopefully we will be able to serve what God’s will is," he said.

Getty Images

About 200 people attended the Feb. 22 Mass in Braintree at which O'Malley presided.

Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe

O'Malley is expected to travel to Rome soon for the conclave.