Theodore McCarrick, a former Catholic cardinal, has died at the age of 94. McCarrick was defrocked in 2019 after a Vatican investigation found him guilty of sexually abusing minors and adults. The news has prompted reactions, including expressions of sympathy for the victims. McCarrick held prominent positions within the Church, including Archbishop of Washington, before the allegations surfaced. The scandal has raised questions about the Church's handling of abuse allegations and the protection of abusers.
18 days ago
Theodore McCarrick, the former Cardinal and Archbishop of Washington, D.C., who was laicized for sexually abusing adults and minors, died on April 3, 2025, at the age of 94 3 4. He passed away in Missouri, where he had been living a secluded life 3 4. Cardinal Robert McElroy of Washington issued a statement acknowledging McCarrick's death and expressing sympathy for his victims 4 5 8.
Born in New York, McCarrick rose through the ranks of the Catholic Church, holding positions such as auxiliary bishop of New York, bishop of Metuchen, archbishop of Newark, and finally, archbishop of Washington, D.C. 1 3 5. He was elevated to Cardinal in 2001 4. However, his career ended in disgrace after allegations of sexual abuse surfaced, leading to his removal from the clerical state in 2019 3 4.
A Vatican investigation found McCarrick guilty of multiple instances of sexual abuse 3 5. The investigation revealed that numerous individuals within the Church knew of the allegations against McCarrick but failed to take action 1 4. The Vatican report placed blame on Pope John Paul II for appointing McCarrick despite these allegations 4. The report highlighted instances where incomplete information allowed McCarrick to assume leadership positions 3.
The McCarrick scandal created a crisis of credibility for the Catholic Church 4. The case exposed a "not my job, not my problem" attitude within the Church hierarchy 1. It prompted Pope Francis to enact the Vos Estis Lux Mundi law in 2019, aimed at creating requirements for reporting sexual abuse 1. The scandal also raised questions about Pope Francis's tendency to believe clerics over victims, citing other cases like those of Bishop Juan Barros and Gustavo Óscar Zanchetta 1.
Despite his defrocking, McCarrick never faced a criminal trial for his actions 4. Some critics argue that the Church has not fully learned the necessary lessons from the McCarrick case 1. Questions remain about the extent to which the Church's "old boys club" culture allowed McCarrick's behavior to continue unchecked for so long 4. The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) expressed frustration that McCarrick never stood trial for the harm he inflicted 4.
For a comprehensive timeline of events, including details from the McCarrick Report, see "A timeline of abuse allegations against deceased former cardinal Theodore McCarrick" 6.
The McCarrick scandal highlighted critical failures in accountability within the Catholic Church, prompting renewed emphasis on defining and enforcing responsibility for its leaders. Several key principles and mechanisms address this issue, drawing from Canon Law, papal statements, and synodal documents.
The Church's understanding of accountability for leaders is rooted in their duty to safeguard the community and promote the good of all Christ's faithful . This responsibility is enacted through pastoral charity, exemplary living, and, when necessary, the imposition of penalties to restore justice, reform offenders, and repair scandal . Transparency and accountability are essential for maintaining fidelity to the Church's mission and counteracting clericalism, which assumes that those in authority are above scrutiny .
Canon Law provides a framework for addressing offenses, including the abuse of ecclesiastical power . Penalties, such as censures or deprivation of office, can be applied to those who disobey lawful commands or neglect their duties . The motu proprio Sacramentorum sanctitatis tutela, issued by Pope John Paul II, specifically addresses sexual abuse of minors by clerics, classifying it as a grave crime and outlining procedures for investigation and punishment . Bishops are expected to apply these norms and cooperate with civil authorities in addressing allegations of abuse .
The synodal process emphasizes the importance of accountability at all levels of the Church, particularly for those in positions of authority . It calls for a restoration of the dimension of authority being accountable to the community, drawing inspiration from structures within consecrated life . Local Churches are encouraged to develop effective forms of accountability and evaluation, incorporating expertise from laypeople and adapting best practices from civil society . These processes should be implemented synodally and included in reports during ad limina visits .
Pope Benedict XVI acknowledged that some bishops and their predecessors failed to apply canon law effectively in cases of child abuse, leading to grave errors and failures of leadership . He stressed the importance of fully implementing canon law, cooperating with civil authorities, and continually revising child safety norms . The McCarrick case underscored the need for the Church to learn from past mistakes and ensure that failures of leadership are addressed through clear and consistent accountability measures.