Cardinal Law has Died

It’s just now being reported that Cardinal Bernard Law has passed away.

Law was pressured to resign from his position as the archbishop of Boston in 2002 when his horrendous mishandling of multiple cases of pedophilia in the diocese was made public. Law repeatedly moved a pedophile priest to different assignments instead of notifying the authorities; the priest was later convicted of molesting more than 130 children. Law apologized, but words are cheap. He fled to the Vatican and was assigned to a nominal position at St. Mary Major. Different accounts interpreted this as either a punishment for or an endorsement of the scandalous actions that lead to his retirement. It was perhaps a sign of Vatican uncertainty as to what to do with a Cardinal who had facilitated unspeakable harm without technically violating cannon or civil law. I would not be the first to suggest voluntary retirement to monastic obscurity would have been more appropriate.

There is nothing kind I can say about his actions. The sexual abuse of children is a crime too despicable for words. It cannot be tolerated, let alone covered up multiple times and allowed to happen again and again.

But Cardinal Law has now gone before the Just Judge who shall not be mocked. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother, we beg mercy on him and consolation for his friends. We beg mercy and the grace of repentance for anyone responsible for the abuse of innocents in any capacity. We beg the grace of healing for the scores of children who were abused under Law’s watch, and for the families and loved ones who suffered with them. We pray for safety and protection for all of those vulnerable to sexual assault. We also pray for those hundreds of people who were, understandably, driven away from the Church by his terrible witness.

May God have mercy on his soul and grant him eternal memory.

(image via Pixabay)