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Cardinal Donald Wuerl, who has faced increasing calls for his resignation after dealing with cases of sexual abuse, wrote Tuesday that he would soon discuss with Pope Francis the possibility of leaving his Chief of the Archdiocese of Washington.
Wuerl did not say in his letter to the priests he would ask Francis to accept his resignation, which he submitted three years ago to the usual age of 75. years. But he acknowledged that many Catholics question the ability of their bishop to lead them. In the midst of the explosion of sexual abuse crisis in the church, and said that he would discuss his resignation with the pope.
"The question is how do we begin effectively to bring a new level of healing to the survivors who have suffered so much and to the faithful entrusted to our care who have been hurt by the shame of these terrible acts and who have questions about the capacity of their to provide the necessary leadership, "wrote Wuerl to the priests of the Archdiocese of Washington.
[[[[Demands the resignation of Wuerl after the explosive letter of the Archbishop]
Wuerl has already visited the Vatican since the publication of a grand jury report in Pennsylvania, which revealed allegations of abuse by more than 300 priests across the United States and called into question Wuerl's behavior. when he was bishop of Pittsburgh. 18 years, before coming to the head of the archdiocese of Washington in 2006. When Wuerl spoke with Francis at the end of August, the pope asked him to consult his priests and Wuerl at a annual picnic for the clergy. , which he talked about in his letter on Tuesday.
"It was clear that some decisions, rather than later, from me are an essential aspect so that this archdiocesan church that we all love can move forward," he wrote. "As a fruit of our discernment, I have the intention, in the very near future, to go to Rome to meet our Holy Father about the resignation that I have presented almost three years ago, November 12, 2015 ".
Wuerl may ask to resign, but only the pope can accept the resignation of an archbishop. It is up to Francis to know if Wuerl is continuing his work or retiring.
Wuerl's letter, however, seemed to indicate that he considered his retirement somewhat likely; he closed by anticipating "a fresh start" for the church that he serves.
Many in the archdiocese have asked Wuerl to withdraw in recent weeks, including more than 40 teachers in Catholic schools who demonstrated in front of their Mass at the Basilica of the Sanctuary and a highly visible deacon at St. Matthew's Cathedral. . , who said that he would refuse to participate in Mass with the Cardinal.
Ed McFadden, spokesman for Wuerl, said Tuesday that Wuerl's letter was not an official resignation, but he noted the letter's appeal for a "fresh start." The main purpose of the letter was to tell the priests of Wuerl feedback in recent days and was preparing to move on to the next step. "All he says is that the process of discernment is over. And at some point he will meet the Holy Father and discuss the resignation he's presented three years ago, "said McFadden.
Cardinal Donald Wuerl, left, walks with Pope Francis at St. Matthew's Cathedral the Apostle in Washington in 2015. Mr. Wuerl said on Tuesday that he was going to discuss his potential resignation with the Pope . (Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post)
Wuerl has struggled to connect with his flock as the subject of sexual abuse exploded this summer. On the day of the publication of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report, Wuerl published a website defending himself and praising his record of clergy abuse. Wuerl's staff and his supporters have repeatedly stated that he was ahead of his time in some cases to remove the attackers from the churches. But in other cases, he followed the advice of mental health professionals who said that priests accused of abuse could return to work safely and Wuerl left them to the ministry.
Last week, Wuerl wrote to his priests telling them that he was organizing a six-week prayer and healing season in response to the sexual abuse crisis. But the initiative seems to have been unwelcome by some Catholics who, according to Mr. McFadden, told Wuerl that they saw it as a ploy for Wuerl to buy more time.
McFadden refused to provide details on when Wuerl could go to Rome or when a final announcement could be made.
Wuerl is an ally of Francis and was expecting him to remain in office for a few more years until his replacement was chosen. Bishop Robert McElroy, Bishop of San Diego, Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans and Archbishop J. Peter Sartain of Seattle were among the possible substitutes during the public conversation earlier this summer, before scandals. It is not known who is now on the Pope's list of candidates.
McFadden declined to comment on what could have convinced Wuerl that it was time to change. He also declined to say when Wuerl could speak publicly about the issue.
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