The first cardinal to be removed from the clerical state by the Pope due to sexual abuse allegations has passed away in the United States, according to a senior church official.
Theodore McCarrick, the former archbishop of Washington and the highest-ranking American prelate in the Catholic Church facing abuse claims, died at the age of 94 in Missouri, as reported by the New York Times, citing a statement from the Vatican.
This was also confirmed by the current Archbishop of Washington, Cardinal Robert McElroy.
“Today I was informed of the passing of Theodore McCarrick, former Archbishop of Washington,” read a statement.
McCarrick’s tenure in the Catholic Church was extensive and distinguished; he served as an emissary on human rights for former Pope John Paul II, a position that led him to conflict zones and brought him into contact with global leaders such as Fidel Castro from Cuba.
A former archbishop of New York, he was appointed archbishop in the US capital in 2000, where he interacted with US presidents, including Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.
He was also elevated to the rank of cardinal, a position that includes some of the highest clergy and those responsible for electing a new pope.
However, following allegations of past misconduct in 2018, a Vatican investigation concluded that he had assaulted a teenager five decades prior.
He was also suspected of additional assaults involving minors and young men.
Pope Francis, facing criticism over a growing abuse scandal within the Catholic Church, defrocked him in 2019, removing his ability to celebrate Mass, even in private.
The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), which advocates for accountability, labeled McCarrick as “one of the most infamous and powerful abusers in the modern history of the Catholic Church.”
SNAP stated that McCarrick “was never held accountable for his actions.”
“While he was ultimately removed from active ministry, defrocked, and stripped of his red hat, he never faced trial for the extensive harm he caused to children, young adults, seminarians, and others in his care.
“His passing signifies the end of his life – but does not bring justice for his victims,” the statement concluded.
