ROME
NPR
December 20, 2017
By Tovia Smith
Once considered among the most influential prelates in America, the Archbishop was forced to resign amid the church’s growing sex abuse scandal, which indelibly stained his reputation
Cardinal Bernard Law, the former Archbishop of Boston — once widely seen as America’s most influential prelate before resigning in disgrace amid the growing clergy sexual abuse scandal — has died in Rome.
The Holy See’s press office confirmed Law’s death “after a long illness.” He was 86.
In a carefully worded statement, reflecting the ongoing anger at the longtime prelate for his role helping to cover up the sins of pedophile priests, his successor, Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley said, “I recognize that Cardinal Law’s passing brings forth a wide range of emotions …particularly … all who experienced the trauma of sexual abuse by clergy.” He offered “sincere apologies [and] continued prayers and … support.”
O’Malley went on to say, “It is a sad reality that for many, Cardinal Law’s life and ministry is identified with one overwhelming reality, the crisis of sexual abuse by priests … because his pastoral legacy has many other dimensions,” from civil rights and ecumenical work, to his care for the poor and immigrants.
The Vatican today also released a statement expressing condolences, praying “for the repose of his soul,” but making no mention of the clergy’s sexual abuse scandal.
Law was at ground zero of the crisis when it exploded in Boston in 2002. He remained the face of the scandal, as it swelled to the tsunami that engulfed the Catholic Church worldwide.
Law’s response to the growing crisis only fueled the rage. For example, shortly after the scandal broke, he showed little compunction, issuing a carefully worded, Nixonian concession.
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