The cardinal’s formidable record on abuse is being tested
In 2014, Pope Francis chose Cardinal Seán O’Malley of Boston to head the new Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, the Holy Father's top council of advisors on the sexual abuse of minors by members of the clergy. When reports began piling up that Theodore McCarrick had abused several young men and at least two minors over the course of his priestly career, all eyes therefore turned towards O’Malley. How would he respond?
“While the Church in the United States has adopted a zero tolerance policy regarding the sexual abuse of minors by priests, we must have clearer procedures for cases involving bishops,” he said in a statement. “The Church needs a strong and comprehensive policy to address bishops’ violations of the vows of celibacy in cases of the criminal abuse of minors and in cases involving adults.”
