12/13/02

The resignation of Cardinal Law as Archbishop of Boston marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of the Church in that tremendously important archdiocese. For me, it is not a time of rejoicing, but of hope that the Church in Boston will continue to rededicate itself to the protection of children and to reconciliation of victims of abuse by clergy.

Cardinal Law served many years as Archbishop of Boston and in that time accomplished many good things that should not be forgotten in the sad turmoil of this terrible scandal.

I pray that today’s news will hasten the healing that everyone longs for and allow all the faithful people of the Archdiocese of Boston to join together in working for a brighter future. May the Catholics of Boston – laity, religious and clergy – be united in that common purpose so that the Church’s work of serving the poor and preaching the Gospel will flourish in their local Church.

I’m sure that this is what the Holy Father and the Cardinal pray for today and I join them in that hope with all my heart.