Theodore McCarrick, the former cardinal defrocked for sexual abuse, passed away at age 94. His death was confirmed by Archbishop Robert McElroy, who expressed concern for McCarrick's victims. Diagnosed with dementia, McCarrick’s legacy is marred by revelations of misconduct and the church's complicity; evidence shows church leaders overlooked his behavior as he climbed ranks. The Vatican's report placed significant blame on Pope John Paul II for appointing McCarrick despite known accusations, reflecting a broader crisis in the church's handling of sexual abuse cases and its impact on credibility.
The McCarrick scandal created a crisis of credibility for the church, primarily because there was evidence Vatican and U.S. church leaders knew he slept with seminarians but turned a blind eye.
May we remain steadfast in our prayers for them and for all victims of sexual abuse, reflecting on the enduring pain of those who he harmed during the course of his priestly ministry.
The Vatican's report found that the lion's share of blame was placed on a dead saint: Pope John Paul II, who appointed McCarrick despite earlier knowledge of his misconduct.
Testimony revealed that over several decades, bishops, cardinals, and popes dismissed or downplayed reports of McCarrick's misconduct with young men as he rose through the ranks.
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