Prominent US Catholic says retired LA Cardinal Mahony should participate in pope selection

MENLO PARK, Calif. – A prominent member of the US Catholic hierarchy who will take part in the selection of the next pope says retired Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony should also participate in the process.

Cardinal William Levada made the comments on Monday at a Menlo Park seminary ahead of his trip to the Vatican to help with the selection process.

Levada's comments came in the wake of a grass-roots campaign to shame Mahony into refraining from participating because of his role protecting sexually abusive priests.

Mahony has said he would participate in the voting for the new pope.