Cardinal O'Malley Skipping BC Commencement Over Abortion Issue

Boston Cardinal Sean O'Malley says he won't attend Boston College's commencement because the Jesuit school's keynote speaker, Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, advocates legislation that would permit abortion.

The legislation allows abortion to save a women's life. Opponents say the bill would lead to widespread abortions because it allows the procedure if a woman threatens suicide.

In a statement Friday, O'Malley said the church considers abortion "a crime against humanity" and U.S. bishops have asked Catholic institutions not to honor officials who promote it.

O'Malley said since Boston College hasn't withdrawn its invitation to Kenny, he won't attend.

He said BC's invitation to Kenny has caused "confusion, disappointment and harm."

A BC spokesman has said the school's invitation to Kenny wasn't related to the abortion bill, but was meant to celebrate the school's relationship with Ireland.