杏MAP导航

By Christopher Wells

Cardinal Wuerl had submitted his resignation three years ago, when he turned 75, in accordance with the Code of Canon Law (can. 401 §1). In September, the Cardinal met with 杏MAP导航 Francis and requested that his resignation be accepted. At the time, a spokesman for the Archdiocese of Washington D.C. said 鈥淐ardinal Wuerl understands that healing from the abuse crisis requires a new beginning and this includes new leadership for the Archdiocese of Washington.鈥�

In a addressed to Cardinal Wuerl, 杏MAP导航 Francis said 鈥淚 recognize in your request the heart of the shepherd who, by widening his vision to recognize a greater good that can benefit the whole body (cf. Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii gaudium, 235), prioritizes actions that support, stimulate, and make the unity and mission of the Church grow above every kind of sterile division sown by the father of lies who, trying to hurt the shepherd, wants nothing more than that the sheep be dispersed (cf. Mt 26:31).鈥�

The Holy Father said that Cardinal Wuerl has 鈥渟ufficient elements 鈥榯o justify鈥� [his] actions and distinguish between what it means to cover up crimes or not to deal with problems, and to commit some mistakes.鈥� However, the 杏MAP导航 continued, 鈥測our nobility has led you not to choose this way of defence.鈥�

In his letter, 杏MAP导航 Francis asks Cardinal Wuerl 鈥渢o remain as Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese until the appointment鈥� of a successor.

In a separate , Cardinal Wuerl expressed his gratitude for 杏MAP导航 Francis鈥� 鈥渄evoted commitment to the wellbeing of the Archdiocese of Washington,鈥� and said he was 鈥渁lso deeply touched by his gracious words of understanding.鈥�

The Cardinal鈥檚 statement continued, 鈥淭he Holy Father鈥檚 decision to provide new leadership to the Archdiocese can allow all of the faithful, clergy, religious and lay, to focus on healing and the future. It permits this local Church to move forward.鈥�

Finally, Cardinal Wuerl 鈥渙nce again鈥� apologized and asked for forgiveness for 鈥渁ny past errors in judgement.鈥�

Both 杏MAP导航 Francis' letter and the statement by Cardinal Wuerl can be seen on the of the Archdiocese of Washington.