Cardinal O’Malley on papal pick and being part of conclave

ROME (WHDH) -- Cardinal O’Malley opened up in Rome on Thursday about his thoughts on the swirling rumors of becoming pope, what it was like to be a part of the conclave and his friendship with the newly elected Pope Francis.

Cardinal O’Malley got choked up recalling the experience of looking out over St. Peter's Square Wednesday night. He said being a part of the conclave was a humbling and moving experience.

"Listening to the Holy Father's words and asking the people to pray with him. Praying the very simple prayers that all Catholics know. Our Father, The Hail Mary, Glory Be, it was very moving,” said Cardinal O'Malley.

When 7’s Kim Khazei asked Cardinal O’Malley if it was one of the most important moments of his life, he replied, “Well, I never imagined as I child that I would end up being part of a conclave.”

But would Cardinal O’Malley have liked to be pope?

O’Malley said he’s happy to be in his brown robe and that he has never worn the cardinal’s robes so much as he had in the weeks since Pope Benedict announced his resignation.

“If the only prerequisite of the being pope was not wanting the job, I was the most qualified,” said O’Malley.

While Cardinal O'Malley gets to use his round-trip plane ticket back to Boston, He's got some sympathy for the man who will stay in the Vatican.

“He’s a prisoner in a museum,” he said. “It's not a wonderful life.”

Cardinal O’Malley approves of the pope’s chosen name, ‘Francis.’ On reform, O’Malley said that Pope Francis I is “a man who has a great sense of mission” and that he will be a good leader for the church.

O’Malley has visited the Pope’s home in Argentina. He said the Pope shared Argentine music with him.

While there were no plans yet for Pope Francis’ travels, Cardinal O’Malley said, “Boston is due for a papal visit.”