Boston's Archbishop Sean Patrick O'Malley was one of two Americans named a cardinal of the Church today by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, just two years after assuming the helm for the nationally influential Boston Archdiocese. The other bishop elevated was William Levada, the former archbishop of San Francisco and now director of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome. Cardinal O'Malley issued a statement, posted on the Archdiocesan website:

"I am deeply humbled and honored to be named a Cardinal by the Holy Father, for even greater service in the Church. While there are certain additional responsibilities that come with the privilege of serving as a Cardinal, I wish to reaffirm a commitment I made during my Installation Homily to the priests, deacons, religious and laity, who together form this great Archdiocese of Boston. That is, I am your Shepherd, your brother, and I am here to serve all the people of the Archdiocese.

Since being named Archbishop of Boston over two years ago, I have relied on the daily prayers and support of the clergy, religious, and faithful of the Archdiocese. Together, we have faced many challenges and I look forward to continuing our work together towards strengthening our Church. I continue to pray that all people of the Archdiocese will renew their commitment to our shared mission of faith and rebuilding the Church.

In the immediacy of receiving this honor from the Holy Father, in a spirit of charity, I ask for the prayerful support of the people of Boston as I assume this important role in the life of the Church."