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Cardinal Roger Mahony, a U.S. cardinal previously accused of mishandling clerical sexual abuse cases, is among the officials set to participate in the ceremonies to close Pope Francis’ coffin and his burial at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, CNN reported yesterday. Mahony, the retired Archbishop of Los Angeles, is part of a group of nine cardinals along with a small number of priests and bishops who will take part in the rites.
Mahony, 89, retired from his post as archbishop in 2011 and was relieved of all official duties in 2013, although the specific nature of those duties was not disclosed. Despite this, he is listed as participating in the ceremonies in his capacity as a “cardinal priest,” a designation within the College of Cardinals that ranks cardinals as deacons, priests, or bishops. Mahony holds a senior rank among cardinal priests, being one of the longest-serving members still active, with only a few older cardinals remaining.
A spokesman for the Holy See explained that Mahony was included because he was the most senior cardinal priest available, with others unable to attend. Mahony’s involvement has caused controversy before. Ahead of the 2013 conclave that elected Francis, a petition circulated in Los Angeles urging him not to participate. Due to his age, Mahony does not have voting rights this time around, as only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote.
Mahony, who led the Los Angeles archdiocese from 1985 to 2011, has apologized multiple times for his handling of clerical sexual abuse cases. In 2013, internal church documents showed that in the 1980s Mahony and his vicar for clergy failed to remove abusive priests or cooperate fully with law enforcement. In 2013, Archbishop Jose Gomez announced that Mahony would no longer have any administrative or public duties, although the archdiocese later clarified he remained a “priest in good standing.” Mahony responded to the decision by stating that Gomez had never raised concerns with him in previous years about their handling of clergy sexual misconduct cases. He acknowledged making “mistakes, especially in the mid-1980s” but maintained that he left an archdiocese “second to none in protecting children and youth.”
The sexual abuse scandal led to significant financial settlements from the Los Angeles archdiocese, including a $660 million payout to 508 victims in 2007 and an additional $880 million to 1,353 survivors last year. Mahony was also previously accused of mishandling an abuser priest’s case while serving as Bishop of Stockton.
Despite his controversial legacy, Mahony was long seen as a major figure in the American Catholic Church, known for his advocacy on behalf of immigrants, workers’ rights, and the importance of Hispanic Catholics.
During his pontificate, Pope Francis introduced important reforms targeting clerical sexual abuse, although experts believe it will fall to his successor to fully implement them.
On Thursday, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles issued a statement to CNN describing Mahony’s role as a blessing. “Cardinal Mahony is our Archbishop Emeritus. He retired in 2011 as Archbishop of Angeles and has continued his ministry in our Archdiocese as a retired archbishop,” the archdiocese said. “He has always been in good standing.” The statement continued, “We are blessed to have Cardinal Mahony represent our Archdiocese in Rome for the funeral of our Holy Father and the election of our new Pope.”
If you are a survivor of Catholic clergy sexual abuse, you may still have time to take legal action. Visit our Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Guide to learn more about your rights and request a free, confidential case review.
