ROME
WCVB
December 20, 2017
Bernard Law, the former Archbishop of Boston who resigned in disgrace during the clergy sex abuse scandal, has died at age 86 in Rome.
The Vatican released a brief statement Tuesday night confirming his death: “Cardinal Bernard Law died early this morning after a long illness.”
Boston Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley released a statement on the death of his predecessor Wednesday morning.
“I recognize that Cardinal Law’s passing brings forth a wide range of emotions on the part of many people. I am particularly cognizant of all who experienced the trauma of sexual abuse by clergy, whose lives were so seriously impacted by those crimes, and their families and loved ones. To those men and women, I offer my sincere apologies for the harm they suffered, my continued prayers and my promise that the Archdiocese will support them in their effort to achieve healing,” Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley said in a statement. “As Archbishop of Boston, Cardinal Law served at a time when the Church failed seriously in its responsibilities to provide pastoral care for her people, and with tragic outcomes failed to care for the children of our parish communities. I deeply regret that reality and its consequences.”
In a statement, Pope Francis expressed condolences to the College of Cardinals, adding may God “who is rich in mercy” welcome Law in his eternal peace.
“I raise prayers for the repose of his soul, that the Lord, God who is rich in mercy, may welcome him in his Eternal peace, and I send my apostolic blessing to those who share in mourning the passing of the cardinal,” his statement read in part.
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