Pope accepts resignation of US archbishop criticised over handling of sex abuse cases
Cardinal Donald Wuerl has been accused of knowing about sexual misconduct by his predecessor, Theodore McCarrick
Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Donald Wuerl as archbishop of Washington, the Vatican said on Friday, making him one of the most senior Catholic figures to step down in a worldwide sexual abuse crisis.
Wuerl, 77, who was bishop of Pittsburgh between 1988 and 2006, has been under scrutiny over his handling of sexual abuse cases during that period. He keeps the title of cardinal.
In a letter by the pope released in Washington, Francis indicated that he accepted the resignation reluctantly and at Wuerl’s insistence. He asked Wuerl to stay on as administrator until another archbishop could be appointed.
“You have sufficient elements to ‘justify’ your actions and distinguish between what it means to cover up crimes or not to deal with problems, and to commit some mistakes. However, your nobility has led you not to choose this way of defence. Of this, I am proud and thank you,” the pope wrote.
But victims advocacy groups were outraged.