Former DC Archbishop Resigns Over 50-Year-Old Abuse Allegations

WASHINGTON, DC -- The former archbishop of Washington has been removed from the ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a teen decades ago surfaced recently.

Cardinal Theodore McCarrick has stepped aside after the Archdiocese of New York found that the allegations against him were "credible and substantiated," according to a statement from the Archdiocese of Washington.

“The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, at the direction of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has instructed Cardinal McCarrick that he is to refrain from any public ministry or activity until a definite decision is made,” the statement reads. “Cardinal McCarrick, while maintaining his innocence, has accepted the decision.”

McCarrick, 87, was accused of abusing the teen around 50 years ago. He served as D.C.'s archbishop from 2001 to 2006.

McCarrick maintained his innocence and said he had "no recollection" of any such incident. However, he said he was sorry for "the pain the person who brought the charges has gone through."

He added that he accepted the decision of The Holy See and will no longer exercise any public ministry.

"While saddened and shocked, this archdiocese awaits the final outcome of the canonical process and in the meantime asks for prayers for all involved," the archdiocese statement reads.

Image via Archdiocese of Washington