Cardinal O'Malley conducts final Mass before Rome

BOSTON (WHDH) -- Cardinal Sean O'Malley conducted Mass Friday with special prayers for the pope before heading to Rome.

“We thank God for the life and ministry of Pope Benedict,” the Cardinal said.

And he prayed for the pope's successor, with no hint that it could be himself.

“And when the conclave has done its work and a new successor of Peter is named, let us all rally around him joyfully and enthusiastically,” Cardinal O’Malley said.

But parishioners are growing more convinced the man in their midst could soon be the next head of the Catholic Church, worldwide. One told him so, directly.

“I wished him well on the Conclave and I said, ‘by the way, I hope it's you,’ He kind of laughed,” said Nancy McTigue, a parishioner.

If chosen, he would be the first American.

“For us, it must not matter where the Pope comes from, what color he is, what languages he speaks or does not speak. What is important is that he becomes the successor to Peter, The Pope of Rome and the world, destined to walk in the shoes of the fisherman,” said Cardinal O’Malley.

On this day seven years ago, Pope Benedict announced that Sean O'Malley would be elevated to Cardinal.

Now, it remains to be seen, if he is elevated once again.