Crux reports that on Friday Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Cardinal Donald Wuerl as Archbishop of Washington after controversy over Wuerl's handling of sex abuse cases in the 1980's and 1990's when he headed the Pittsburgh Diocese. In a letter from the Pope (
full text) accepting Wuerl's resignation, Pope Francis asked him to stay on as Apostolic Administrator until his successor is appointed. In the letter to Wuerl, the Pope said in part:
You have sufficient elements to “justify” your actions and distinguish between what it means to cover up crimes or not to deal with problems, and to commit some mistakes. However, your nobility has led you not to choose this way of defense. Of this, I am proud and thank you.
In this way, you make clear the intent to put God’s Project first, before any kind of personal project, including what could be considered as good for the Church. Your renunciation is a sign of your availability and docility to the Spirit who continues to act in his Church.
