Disgraced US former cardinal could be defrocked soon, Vatican sources say
Theodore McCarrick has been accused of sexual misconduct and became the first Catholic prelate in nearly 100 years to lose the title of cardinal
Vatican City — Disgraced former US cardinal Theodore McCarrick is almost certain to be defrocked in the next few weeks over allegations against him, including sexual abuse of minors, two Vatican sources said. In July 2018, McCarrick became the first Catholic prelate in nearly 100 years to lose the title of cardinal. The allegations against him date back to decades ago when he was still rising to the top of the US Catholic Church hierarchy. McCarrick, 88, has responded publicly to only one of the allegations, saying he has “absolutely no recollection” of an alleged case of sexual abuse of a 16-year-old boy more than 50 years ago. McCarrick’s canon lawyer, J Michael Ritty, and his civil lawyer, Barry Coburn, both declined to be interviewed for this article. The Vatican said a “canonical process” is taking place and there will be no comment until it ends. Pope Francis, who has the final say in the case, wants it completed before heads of national Catholic churches meet at the Vatican f...
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