Theodore McCarrick, a once influential American cardinal who was defrocked in 2019 due to serious allegations of sexual abuse against both minors and adults, has passed away at the age of 94. His death was confirmed by Cardinal Robert McElroy, the archbishop of Washington, who expressed his thoughts for the victims harmed throughout McCarrick’s unsanctified ministry.

"At this moment, I am especially mindful of those he harmed during the course of his priestly ministry," said McElroy, emphasizing the enduring pain these individuals continue to endure. In recent revelations, it was noted that McCarrick had been suffering from dementia and had resided in Missouri prior to his passing, as reported by CBS News.

The scandal surrounding McCarrick shook the Catholic Church to its core, casting a harsh light on how high-ranking officials, including popes and bishops, allegedly enabled his rise while ignoring credible claims of misconduct. A Vatican report indicated a significant portion of the blame fell upon the late Pope John Paul II, who elevated McCarrick to archbishop of Washington, D.C., despite evidence presented during an inquiry into his behavior with seminarians.

This report revealed how church officials maintained a culture of secrecy around allegations, a system which enabled McCarrick to operate with impunity for decades. "I have made mistakes and may have sometimes lacked in prudence," McCarrick once wrote, denying any sexual relations, even as the inability or unwillingness of the church to confront these allegations became increasingly clear.

While his behaviors had been known and reported as early as the mid-1980s, sporadic attention was given to his actions until a significant investigation released in 2018 highlighted the gravity of his misconduct. Following this, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) expressed their frustration that McCarrick was never legally accountable for the extensive harm he had caused. "McCarrick may be dead, but his many victims are not," said Peter Isely, a founding member of SNAP.

McCarrick's career spanned several decades, where he served in notable capacities and interacted with numerous global leaders before his eventual fall from grace—a reminder of the persistent issues within the institution of the Catholic Church regarding accountability and transparency.

For more coverage on Theodore McCarrick's life and the implications of his passing, visit Los Angeles Times.