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…