November 10, 2020

Bishop McManus issues statement following McCarrick report

REGIONAL
Staff report

(Photo courtesy Diocese of Worcester)

SPRINGFIELD – Worcester Bishop Robert J. McManus, apostolic administrator of the Springfield Diocese, has issued the following statement in reaction to the Nov. 10 summary of the Vatican’s report on how Theodore McCarrick, a laicized cardinal, retained prominent positions in the Catholic hierarchy for years, despite rumors and reports of his sexual abuses of children and young adults.

Statement from Bishop McManus in Reaction to the McCarrick Report

I am grateful to the Holy Father that he requested such a thorough investigation of Theodore McCarrick and how he was appointed auxiliary bishop and later diocesan bishop of several dioceses and archdioceses and subsequently named cardinal despite having sexually abused young people and adults. Pope Francis is making it clear to all of us both in words and in deeds that our concern must always be first and foremost for the victim survivors of abuse and for protection of all who are in our pastoral care. This report will help to identify where the process of selecting a bishop who is spiritually, morally and intellectually qualified for such an office and avoid such mistakes today and in the future.

If anyone has suffered abuse by a priest, bishop, or someone in the church, I encourage you to report it to law enforcement and to utilize the independent reporting process which is in place to notify church authorities. Information is available both at the USCCB and the local diocesan websites.

Allow me to echo the thoughts of Archbishop Jose Gomez, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, who stressed the “need for us to repent and grow in our commitment to serve the people of God.” Only through the power of prayer and conversion of hearts can we be true to the mission of Jesus Christ to bear witness to the God’s love with integrity and humility.

November 10, 2020