Statement of Cardinal DiNardo on McCarrick Report
November 10, 2020
Daniel Cardinal DiNardo of Galveston-Houston issued a statement following Nov. 10 release of the “Report on the Holy See’s Institutional Knowledge and Decision-Making Related to Former Cardinal Theodore Edgar McCarrick.”
Cardinal DiNardo's full statement follows:
“Today we join Pope Francis and the Universal Church in confronting sexual abuse by members of the clergy, so that the sins and errors of the past will not continue into the future.
As I read the report on Theodore McCarrick, I am distressed and saddened by the facts presented in it and for those who were hurt by McCarrick. This report is another step in the Church’s journey towards healing the painful wounds of abuse. I add my thanks for the determined way Pope Francis has led this response. The message is clear: abuse will not be tolerated – no matter how prominent a perpetrator may be.
To those who have been deeply hurt by abuse, let me add that your voices are being heard and are helping to inspire ongoing reforms that, since 2002, have made a genuine difference in rooting out the evil of abuse. Of course, the report shows that we must continue to be vigilant, as our work will never be complete until abuse is no more.
Any instance of sexual abuse by church personnel – a bishop, a priest, deacon, religious brother or sister, seminarian, or any employee or volunteer of the Church – should be reported immediately by contacting Child Protective Services (CPS) of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and the local police department.
Please join me in praying for all victims of abuse and their families.”