
Theodore McCarrick, Disgraced Cardinal, Dies at 94
Theodore McCarrick, the former cardinal who was defrocked amid allegations of sexual abuse, has died at the age of 94. McCarrick's death marks the end of a controversial chapter in the Catholic Church's history, as he was the highest-ranking church official to be removed from the priesthood due to sexual misconduct.
McCarrick, once a prominent figure in the American Catholic Church, was accused of sexually abusing minors and seminarians over several decades. His case came to light in 2018, leading to his defrocking by Pope Francis in 2019. The scandal not only tarnished McCarrick's reputation but also raised questions about the church's handling of abuse allegations.
His death was reported on April 4, 2025, and has reignited discussions about accountability and reform within the Catholic Church. McCarrick's legacy is now defined by the allegations against him, overshadowing his previous roles as the Archbishop of Newark and Washington, D.C.