The criminal case against a nationally renowned former Catholic leader has been suspended.
The criminal case against a nationally renowned former Catholic leader has been suspended, leading to uncertainty about whether or not justice will finally have the opportunity to prevail.
Theodore McCarrick, a former cardinal, is the highest-ranking Catholic official in the United States to be criminally prosecuted on charges of sexual abuse. Previously, he participated in funerals and memorial services for famous political figures such as Ronald Reagan and Beau Biden, the son of Joe Biden.
At age 93, McCarrick is believed to suffer from dementia and has been deemed unfit to stand trial.
Wisconsin county Judge David M. Reddy was not alone in his ruling: although he had faced similar charges in the state of Massachusetts, McCarrick’s “cognitive decline” prompted the same outcome.
Last year, McCarrick was charged with one count of fourth-degree sexual assault in Wisconsin. During his time as former archbishop of Washington, D.C., he was accused of assaulting an 18-year-old in 1977.
The cardinal was involved in an incident at a home where he and the young male victim were both guests. The man reported to law enforcement that McCarrick fondled his genitals while he was swimming. He also told investigators that the sexual assault occurred multiple times: from the age of 11 years old, McCarrick brought him to parties where other adult men abused him.
After a 2018 church investigation, McCarrick was removed from the ministry. Following this decision, a 2020 report from the Vatican was released. The examination uncovered dark truths regarding McCarrick’s rise to worship – church leaders were already aware of his abuse against minors and adult seminarians. This documented criminal behavior dated back to the 1990s.
In August of 2023, McCarrick attended his Massachusetts hearing virtually. He appeared fragile, and stated that he had “no memory of the abuse” and that he “is innocent.”
For many survivors, the idea of McCarrick’s criminal trial provided a sense of hope. His duty to answer difficult questions under oath was believed to result in accountability. However, Wednesday’s ruling of suspension brings a possible end to the efforts of prosecution in regards to McCarrick’s sexual abuse.
Authors: Andy Goldwasser and Alexis Kabat
