Pope Oks Resignation of Cardinal Wuerl Amid Cover-up Scandal

By David Crary and Nicole Winfield
Associated Press
October 12, 2018

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/pope-oks-resignation-of-cardinal-wuerl-amid-cover-up-scandal/2018/10/12/5e5a97ba-ce0a-11e8-ad0a-0e01efba3cc1_story.html?utm_term=.5b44d2c7729f&noredirect=on

Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Washington Cardinal Donald Wuerl after he became entangled in two major sexual abuse and cover-up scandals and lost the support of many in his flock.

Wuerl, who turns 78 in November, becomes the most prominent head to roll in the scandal roiling the Catholic Church after his predecessor as Washington archbishop, Theodore McCarrick, was forced to resign as cardinal over allegations he sexually abused at least two minors and adult seminarians.

A Vatican statement Friday said Francis had accepted Wuerl’s resignation, but named no replacement; Wuerl’s office said he had been asked to stay on in a temporary capacity until a new archbishop is found.