ROME (ITALY)
Associated Press
February 16, 2019
The Latest on the defrocking of former U.S. cardinal Theodore McCarrick (all times local):
12:20 a.m.
The archbishop of Boston says the Vatican’s decision to defrock former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick is an important step for “administering justice” for McCarrick’s crimes.
Cardinal Sean O’Malley issued a statement Saturday after the announcement that McCarrick had been found guilty by the Vatican of sex abuse, including while hearing confession.
O’Malley says church leaders “must enforce accountability for cardinals and bishops.”
O’Malley says his archdiocese is committed to taking reports of abuse seriously, saying it has a “moral responsibility” to be always vigilant.
10:50 p.m.
A Kansas diocese says disgraced former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick will continue to live at a local friary “until a decision of permanent residence is finalized.”
McCarrick had moved to the St. Fidelis Friary in Victoria, Kansas, in September after Pope Francis ordered him to live in penance and prayer while the investigation into his actions continued.
McCarrick was defrocked after being found guilty by the Vatican of sex abuse, including while hearing confession.
In a statement Saturday, Bishop Gerald L. Vincke of the Salina, Kansas, Diocese said he hopes the Vatican’s decision will “help bring healing to all affected by sexual abuse and those hurt by this scandal.”
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