BOSTON (AP) – Gov. Mitt Romney left Massachusetts Thursday to attend Boston Archbishop Sean O’Malley’s elevation to cardinal at the Vatican.

Romney says he is attending the ceremonies to represent the state. He called O’Malley’s elevation to cardinal a blessing to Catholics throughout the state and across America.

“To have someone who is the leader of the largest church in the state receive an honor of this nature is a tribute to our state, and of course to him, and is a blessing to Catholics throughout the state,” Romney said.

O’Malley, who has been archbishop of Boston since 2003, is one of two Americans among the 15 new cardinals being elevated this week.

Romney will be in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City Friday morning as a guest of O’Malley and will have lunch with him later in the day. Romney plans to have dinner Friday evening with the U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, Francis Rooney.

On Saturday Romney will attend a Mass during which O’Malley and the other new cardinals will receive their rings symbolizing their links to the Pope.