Bishop Edward Weisenburger on the McCarrick Report

The Vatican issued a report today about its knowledge of and response to allegations of misconduct by the defrocked former cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who has been credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors and adult seminarians.  The report is approximately 450 pages in length and required two years to compile.  It involved more than ninety in-depth interviews and references extensive documentation from the Holy See, the dioceses and archdioceses where McCarrick served, and the Vatican’s embassy (nunciature) in the U.S.A.  The strength of the 450-page report is found in its thoroughness as well as the overview it provides.  

I am grateful to Pope Francis for directing the Holy See to compile and publish the extensive report. While the report merits considerably further study which will require time, my initial reaction is one of frustration and disappointment that McCarrick was able to offend multiple times as well as be promoted within the Church.   It is an example of how the Catholic Church initially failed to take responsible action in the face of allegations of sexual misconduct.  While it does not decrease the gravity of this situation it is clear that the allegations against the defrocked, former Cardinal pertained to misconduct with adults until 2017.  At that time the first allegation of misconduct with a minor emerged, resulting in the former Cardinal’s suspension and eventual dismissal from the clerical state by Pope Francis.

Unfortunately, the Church can never apologize adequately to those who were harmed.  Thus, it is our duty to help victims heal and to be aggressive in maintaining policies and protocols that prevent abuse and ensure safe environments for children and vulnerable adults in the future.

The Diocese of Tucson has and will continue its commitment to keeping children and vulnerable adults safe against all forms of abuse. For information about the Diocese’s reporting, prevention and healing policies, please visit 

https://diocesetucson.org/our-call-to-protect.

These policies mandate reporting to civil authorities; education for children and adults; and background checks for clergy, employees and volunteers who work with minors. These policies also include information on assistance for those harmed and what to do if there is an allegation.

For information about the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service, please contact the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service at ReportBishopAbuse.org or call (800) 276-1562.