Wuerl Gone From Washington?

You are not signed in as a Premium user; you are viewing the free version of this program. Premium users have access to full-length programs with limited commercials and receive a 10% discount in the store! Sign up for only one day for the low cost of $1.99. Click the button below.

See All Plans

The archbishop of Washington is changing his tone massively, saying he'll now go to Rome to discuss his resignation with the Pope.

Cardinal Donald Wuerl, who just came back from Rome and wanted to kick off a "Season of Healing" for the beleaguered archdiocese, now says he's going back to Rome "in the very near future" in order to "meet with our Holy Father about the resignation I presented nearly three years ago."

He's implying that the healing of the diocese is contingent upon his leaving — sentiments that many Catholics share.

"Our discernment here, I believe, has indicated the way forward to bring healing and a new beginning at the service of this Church," Cdl. Wuerl wrote.

The recent letter of Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò brings particular focus and urgency to this examination. The questions raised deserve answers that are conclusive and based on evidence. Without those answers, innocent men may be tainted by false accusation and the guilty may be left to repeat sins of the past.

This investigation would presumably indict many, including Wuerl, who Viganò said "lies shamelessly" when he says he "knew nothing" about McCarrick's situation.

Hovering in the not so distant background is the Pennsylvania grand jury report, which named Wuerl almost 100 times. It's doubtful that Wuerl would survive the legal ramifications of that report. Either way, Rome seems to have decided that it's time for Wuerl to go.

Watch the panel discuss the long-awaited resignation in The Download—Wuerl Gone From Washington?

Have a news tip? Submit news to our tip line.

We rely on you to support our news reporting. Please donate today.