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In a letter to the priests of the diocese, Wuerl mentioned a recent meeting with the Pope at the Vatican. He said the pope had asked him to consider the best course of action "as we face new revelations of the horror of the clergy's abuse of children and failures in episcopal control. "
Wuerl stated that he would meet Francis about the resignation he submitted almost three years ago at the age of 75, the mandatory age for Catholic bishops submit their retirement to the pope. He said that a decision about his future "is an essential aspect so that this archdiocesan church that we all love can move forward."
Wuerl is facing heightened scrutiny of what he knew about the allegations of abuse against his predecessor, former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick in Washington, and how he treated abusive priests when he directed the diocese of Pittsburgh.
In his Tuesday letter, the Cardinal wrote: "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 the latter? . " terrible actions and have questions about the ability of their bishop to provide the necessary leadership.
Francis plans to meet on Thursday at the Vatican with Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Cardinal Sean O Malley, the pope's chief advisor for sexual abuse by clerics .
Earlier this month, Wuerl acknowledged the turmoil surrounding his leadership – and the leadership of the Catholic Church – in many multi-state abuse investigations.
Wuerl's record was criticized as a result of a grand jury investigation in Pennsylvania. Wuerl is described as having a record of protective checkers of predatory priests.
McCarrick has also been charged with "sexual misconduct" several decades ago as "bishop" in Metuchen and Newark, New Jersey, the current bishops said. Two of these allegations resulted in settlements, the bishops said.
McCarrick is one of the highest ranking US leaders of the Catholic Church to be removed from office because of sexual abuse charges.
He maintained his innocence.
Steve Almasy, Daniel Burke, Kevin Conlon and Rosa Flores of CNN contributed to this report.
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