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Wuerl is the most prominent American Catholic since the resignation of the abuse scandal this summer.
The pope wrote that Wuerl had "enough elements to" justify "" his actions "and distinguish between what it means to conceal crimes or not to solve problems and make mistakes."
"However, your nobility has led you not to choose this defense, of which I am proud and thank you," wrote the pope.
Significantly, even if Wuerl resigns his position as archbishop of Washington, he will remain cardinal. He is still part of the powerful College of Cardinals and is one of 10 American Cardinals to be able to choose the next pope.
The Pope's praise for Wuerl also comes just days after the Vatican announced an inquiry into his predecessor, Archbishop Theodore McCarrick. Wuerl was accused by a former papal diplomat of having knowledge of allegations that McCarrick had sexually abused seminarians. Wuerl denied the accusations.
"Even though Cardinal Wuerl is no longer the Archbishop of Washington, he does not seem to be in disgrace with the boss," said John Allen, Vatican analyst at the Vatican. the tone of the Pope's letter on the resignation of Wuerl. .
Wuerl, who turns 78 in November, technically resigned at the age of 75, as do all Catholic Bishops and Cardinals. But cardinals are often allowed to serve up to 80 years old.
Wuerl said Friday that he was deeply touched by the Pope's "words of understanding" in Friday's letter, and he apologized for his "past mistakes".
"The Holy Father's decision to provide new leadership to the archdiocese may allow all faithful, clergy, religious and laity to focus on healing and the future," said Wuerl in a statement issued by the archdiocese. "This allows this local church to progress.
"Once again for past errors of judgment, I apologize and beg your pardon.My resignation is a way to express my great and enduring love for you, members of the Washington Church. "
But the victims of abuse, many of whom had called for Wuerl's resignation, insulted the pope on Friday for praising Wuerl's "shepherd's heart."
"Wuerl took the most vulnerable – the children – and threatened them.How could the pope call him a good shepherd? He sends the message to the victims of abuse that the pope does not really care of them.He only cares about him about his "people", said Becky Ianni, a leader of the survivors network of victims of violence exerted by priests in the Washington area.
But other Catholics have called Wuerl's resignation a sign that the pope, accused of having acted too slowly to fight clergy abuse, is finally taking concrete action.
John Carr, director of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University, said the pope's letter about Wuerl was sending conflicting messages because the cardinal's record in matters abuse itself was mixed.
"Wuerl was better than most bishops, but not enough, and that's part of today's message." Things are changing, bishops are going to pay a price, even influential and effective bishops, even one. Bishop who did better than most. "
Even with the pope's praise, the resignation of Wuerl marks a remarkable downfall of the fall of one of the world's most powerful Catholic leaders.
The Pittsburgh native has spent more than 50 years in the Catholic Church and has earned a reputation for being a faithful churchman and scrupulous teacher. Known as a key ally of Pope Francis, Wuerl sits on the Vatican committee that examines and appoints bishops from around the world.
The Archdiocese of Washington vigorously defended Wuerl, explaining his actions to the clergy of the region and opposing accusations that he would not have adequately treated pedophile priests while he was in the same position. he was bishop of Pittsburgh.
Wuerl was also accused by a former pontifical diplomat of having knowledge of accusations that his predecessor in Washington, former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, allegedly sexually abused seminarians.
In a letter issued in August, Bishop Carlo Maria Vigano, former Vatican ambassador to the United States, said that Wuerl was "perfectly aware of Cardinal McCarrick's ongoing violations and the sanctions imposed by Pope Benedict XVI" .
CNN's Hada Messia and Jason Hanna contributed to this report.
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