By CNA Staff
CNA Newsroom, Apr 4, 2025 / 19:20 pm
Welcome to our blog as we delve into the timeline of important dates from the McCarrick Report and elsewhere regarding abuse allegations against recently deceased former cardinal Theodore McCarrick.
Published by the Vatican on Nov. 10, 2020, the McCarrick Report examined the “institutional knowledge and decision-making” regarding McCarrick, who was found guilty of sexual abuse of minors and seminarians in 2019 and laicized after an expedited canonical investigation.
July 7, 1930: Theodore Edgar McCarrick is born in New York City, the only child of Theodore E. and Margaret McLaughlin McCarrick.
1954: McCarrick graduates from Fordham University in New York with a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy.
1954-1958: McCarrick attends St. Joseph’s Seminary in New York and attains a master of arts degree in theology.
May 31, 1958: New York Cardinal Francis Spellman ordains McCarrick to the priesthood at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
The Rise and Fall of Cardinal McCarrick: A Timeline of Events
Cardinal McCarrick, once a prominent figure within the Catholic Church, has had a tumultuous journey throughout his career. Here is a timeline highlighting some key events:
- November 1965: Pope Paul VI grants McCarrick the honorary title of monsignor.
- June 29, 1977: McCarrick is consecrated as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New York by Cardinal Terence Cooke.
- November 1981: Pope John Paul II appoints McCarrick as bishop of Metuchen, New Jersey, after receiving glowing reviews.
- Mid-1980s: Anonymous concerns about McCarrick’s behavior towards young boys are raised by a New York Catholic mother, leading to no action being taken against him.
- May 24, 1986: McCarrick is appointed as the archbishop of Newark, New Jersey, with no mention of previous concerns.
- 1989-1996: Reports of sexual assault by McCarrick surface, with victims being urged to forgive him by Bishop Edward Hughes.
- January 1990: Monsignor Dominic Bottino witnesses McCarrick groping a young priest, with his concerns being dismissed by Bishop James Thomas McHugh.
- 1992-1993: Multiple letters alleging sexual misconduct by McCarrick are sent to various Catholic prelates, including accusations of pedophilia and inappropriate behavior.
These events shed light on the complex and troubling history of Cardinal McCarrick, showcasing the challenges faced within the Catholic Church. Stay tuned for more updates on this ongoing story.
Welcome to our blog where we delve into the intriguing details surrounding the accusations against former Cardinal McCarrick. Did you know that some of McCarrick’s “nephews” with whom he shared beds were actually his distant relatives?
The accusations against McCarrick during this time were dismissed due to his good reputation and the lack of specific accusations in an anonymous letter. It’s fascinating to see how reputation and anonymity can play a role in such cases.
In 1993-1995, Newark was evaluated as a potential site for a papal visit by Pope John Paul II. The story continues with Mother Mary Quentin Sheridan and a priest raising concerns about seminarians abused by McCarrick, only to have their allegations dismissed as possible slander or exaggeration.
Fast forward to 1995 when Pope John Paul II visits Newark, and there are no reports of scandal. However, in 1996-1997, Priest 1 accuses McCarrick of sexual assault, leading to a series of evaluations and reports to higher authorities.
The timeline continues with more twists and turns, including Pope John Paul II considering McCarrick for the Archdiocese of New York in 1999, only to be advised against it due to moral issues by O’Connor.
The complexity of these events highlights the challenges faced in addressing allegations of abuse within the church. Stay tuned for more updates as we uncover the truth behind the accusations against McCarrick. Don’t forget to subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest news and updates.
The McCarrick Controversy: A Look into Allegations and Recommendations
Back in 1999, Bishop Montalvo recommended Theodore McCarrick for a position within the College of Cardinals, praising him as a “worthy member.” Despite accusations of “misplaced affection,” Montalvo noted that there was no solid evidence supporting these claims.
However, concerns about McCarrick’s behavior began to surface. In October 1999, Cardinal O’Connor raised alarm about McCarrick frequently sharing beds with male guests, including priests and seminarians. These concerns were further escalated when a priest close to McCarrick left the priesthood after accompanying him on an international trip. Additionally, reports from a psychologist and psychiatrist confirmed at least one priest’s claim of being victimized by McCarrick.
Further adding to the controversy, McCarrick wrote a letter defending a young man convicted of murder, sparking more unease among clergy in Newark and Metuchen. Despite these red flags, Montalvo forwarded the concerns to the appropriate authorities.
As investigations continued, doubts were cast on O’Connor’s claims by Archbishop Cacciavillan, who deemed them as mere rumors. McCarrick was not given a chance to defend himself, leading to recommendations for him to move to Washington, D.C., rather than New York.
By 2000, Cardinal Moreira Neves advised against transferring McCarrick due to the accusations and his age. Following O’Connor’s death, Montalvo delved deeper into the claims against McCarrick, seeking information from various bishops who had interacted with him.
Responses from Bishop McHugh confirmed the unsettling practice of McCarrick sharing beds with men but noted no explicit misconduct. Bishop Breen acknowledged rumors of illicit activities but lacked concrete evidence to support them.
The controversy surrounding Theodore McCarrick sheds light on the complexities and challenges within the Catholic Church hierarchy, showcasing the importance of thorough investigations and accountability.
Welcome to our blog where we delve into the intricate details of the investigation surrounding Cardinal McCarrick. The story unfolds with a series of correspondences and recommendations from various individuals involved in the case.
On May 18, 2000, Smith responds to Montalvo, shedding light on his experiences while living with McCarrick. He mentions the visits from his “nephews” and the lack of any indication of wrongdoing during their stays. Smith expresses shock at the thought of serious accusations against McCarrick.
May 22, 2000, sees Hughes responding to Montalvo, stating his lack of factual information on McCarrick’s moral weaknesses. He mentions priests who accused McCarrick may have been trying to justify their own actions. Hughes advises against McCarrick’s promotion or disciplinary actions.
Fast forward to June 21, 2000, when Montalvo sends his findings to Re, indicating that accusations against McCarrick are neither proven nor groundless. This prompts a decision to avoid promoting McCarrick.
In July 2000, Re and Pope John Paul II decide against promoting McCarrick to Washington, D.C., based on the evidence presented.
Moving on to August 6, 2000, McCarrick writes a letter refuting the accusations against him, expressing his innocence and willingness to accept any decision made by the pope. Dziwisz delivers the letter to Pope John Paul II, who later becomes convinced of McCarrick’s innocence.
The saga continues in September 2000, with Pope John Paul II appointing Re as prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. Stay tuned as we uncover more details in this intriguing case. For further information, we recommend reaching out to Hughes for detailed insights.
The Rise and Fall of Cardinal McCarrick: A Timeline of Events
It was the year 2000 when the wheels were set in motion for Cardinal McCarrick to become the Archbishop of Washington, D.C. But little did anyone know the scandal that would soon follow.
September 20, 2000: The secretary for the Congregation for Bishops reaches out to Cacciavillan, suggesting that McCarrick be reconsidered for the Washington archbishopric. This recommendation was based on McCarrick’s own letter to Dziwisz proclaiming his innocence.
September 25, 2000: Cacciavillan, in a written memorandum, puts forth McCarrick’s name for consideration for the Washington position. He confidently states that McCarrick could defend himself against any false accusations that may arise with the appointment.
October 2000: McCarrick makes the journey to Rome for a private audience with Dziwisz and Pope John Paul II. The details of the meeting remain a mystery to this day.
October 11, 2000: Re recommends McCarrick as a top candidate for the Washington position to Pope John Paul II.
November 2000: Pope John Paul II appoints McCarrick as the archbishop of Washington, D.C., sealing his fate in history.
November 24, 2000: Dominican Father Boniface Ramsey raises concerns about McCarrick sharing beds with seminarians. He writes a letter to nuncio Montalvo, detailing the rumors that had been circulating for years. Despite his efforts, Ramsey receives no response.
In the early 2000s, more warnings surface about McCarrick’s behavior. An anonymous note reaches Montalvo, cautioning of potential scandal if McCarrick is made a cardinal.
January 2001: Montalvo forwards the anonymous note and Ramsey’s letter to Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano, who then passes them on to Pope John Paul II. The response? A simple note from Sodano: “Nihil dicens,” or “nothing is produced.”
January 3, 2001: McCarrick is officially installed as the archbishop of Washington, marking a new chapter in his controversial career.
February 21, 2001: Pope John Paul II elevates McCarrick to the rank of cardinal, further solidifying his position in the Church hierarchy.
As the early 2000s progress, McCarrick remains active in various committees and policies within the Church, including efforts to address child sexual abuse. Little did anyone know the dark secrets that would soon come to light.
Welcome to the intriguing world of Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, a man of many titles and responsibilities. From his numerous positions within the Vatican council to his meetings with top government officials, including President George W. Bush, McCarrick is a figure of influence and intrigue.
Despite his refusal of a salary as an archbishop, McCarrick is known for his generous donations to various causes, including disaster relief funds and financial gifts to the Holy Father. He is a man of action, with extensive international travels and a key role in developing diplomatic relations between China and the Vatican.
In the midst of his impressive career, allegations arise, leading to investigations and interviews with the media. Through it all, McCarrick maintains his innocence, denying any wrongdoing and standing firm in his beliefs.
Join us as we delve into the life and controversies surrounding Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, a man whose legacy is as complex as it is captivating.
As the details unfold, it becomes apparent that the allegations against McCarrick were more than just rumors. The behavior described by the priest in his statement is troubling, to say the least. From backrubs to bed sharing, these actions are deemed “problematic” and “extremely inappropriate.” While the priest does not explicitly accuse McCarrick of sexual abuse, the implications are clear.
On Feb. 24, 2005, Myers takes action by writing to nuncio Montalvo, expressing concerns that McCarrick’s behavior could constitute abuse. However, there is no evidence that Montalvo escalated the matter to the Vatican.
In April 2005, McCarrick travels to Rome for the conclave that elects Pope Benedict XVI, seemingly unaffected by the allegations swirling around him.
By June 2005, a settlement is reached with Priest 2 and the Diocese of Metuchen, with McCarrick contributing $10,000 towards it. The settlement also covers accusations from a high school teacher within the diocese, yet the nuncio and the Vatican remain unaware of this resolution.
As the year progresses, disputes arise regarding Priest 1’s fitness for ministry, leading to detailed accounts of abuse suffered at the hands of McCarrick being sent to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Despite McCarrick’s resignation as archbishop of Washington in June 2005, Cardinal Re extends his position for an additional two years following consultation with Pope Benedict XVI.
In September 2005, Priest 1 expresses reluctance to cause public scandal with his accusations against McCarrick, leading to his petition for active ministry being denied by the Vatican.
By November 2005, Pope Benedict XVI reverses the decision to extend McCarrick’s term in Washington, citing credible accusations against him. Archbishop William Levada plays a crucial role in obtaining this information, prompting Re to inform the Congregation for Bishops of the request.
On Nov. 7, 2005, Montalvo receives a copy of McCarrick’s letter pleading innocence, along with new information that bolsters the credibility of the accusations. McCarrick is summoned to Rome for a meeting with Re to discuss the decision.
Finally, on Dec. 5, 2005, McCarrick meets with Re in Rome, where he admits to sharing beds with seminarians but denies any sexual misconduct. The truth behind these allegations continues to unravel, shedding light on the dark reality of abuse within the Church.
As the year 2005 comes to a close, a series of events unfolds that will have a lasting impact on the Catholic Church and its followers. It all starts with a decision made by Archbishop Montalvo to retire from his role as the U.S. nuncio. His successor, Archbishop Sambi, steps in to take his place.
During this time, troubling allegations against Archbishop McCarrick begin to surface. Reports of inappropriate physical contact and sexual misconduct with priests Priest 1 and Priest 2 come to light. Despite these accusations, McCarrick vehemently denies any wrongdoing.
Fast forward to the year 2006, and the pressure continues to mount on McCarrick. He meets with Re once again, armed with a handwritten denial of the allegations against him. He swears on his “oath as a bishop” that he is innocent and leaves his fate in the hands of the Holy Father.
As the months pass, McCarrick’s situation becomes increasingly precarious. He explores the possibility of residing at Seton Hall University, only to be met with opposition from Archbishop Myers. Eventually, he settles for living part-time at Redemptoris Mater seminary in Maryland.
Finally, in May of 2006, Pope Benedict XVI accepts McCarrick’s resignation as Archbishop of Washington. Bishop Wuerl is chosen as his successor, and McCarrick is granted various benefits in his retirement. Despite the allegations and controversy surrounding him, McCarrick chooses not to draw a pension.
Meanwhile, Priest 1’s legal representative meets with officials from the Diocese of Metuchen to file an incident report regarding the allegations against McCarrick. Priest 1, having been removed from the clerical state due to separate accusations, has since relocated to a different state.
The Shocking Allegations Against McCarrick: A Timeline of Events
The recent report has shed light on the disturbing allegations made by Priest 1 against McCarrick, with claims filed in multiple district attorneys’ offices and dioceses across several states.
Priest 1 recalls witnessing McCarrick engaging in sexual activities with another priest and being subjected to inappropriate sexual advances by McCarrick on multiple occasions, including being forced to share a bed.
August 2006: Priest 1’s attorney and representatives from the dioceses of Newark and Metuchen agree to a mediation conference scheduled for November 15, 2006.
Oct. 3, 2006: Archbishop Myers sends an incident report to the U.S. nunciature, highlighting the unequal relationship between McCarrick and Priest 1 during the incidents, which occurred when Priest 1 was still a seminarian. The report is then forwarded to the Congregation for Bishops.
Oct. 17, 2006: Prefect Re advises U.S. nuncio Sambi to have McCarrick move out of his seminary residence and lead a life of quiet prayer to avoid a media scandal. Re discusses the situation with Wuerl in Rome, emphasizing that McCarrick should maintain a low profile.
November 2006: Priest 1’s testimony is recorded on video, leading to a settlement agreement for his claims. However, there is no evidence to suggest that the recording was sent to the Vatican.
Sambi warns Cardinal Bertone against involving McCarrick in any further Church affairs due to the abuse allegations against him.
Dec. 6, 2006: Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò writes a memorandum discussing Priest 1’s accusations, highlighting the severity of the crimes McCarrick is accused of, including solicitation of seminarians and priests, absolution of accomplices, and sacrilegious acts.
Viganò’s memorandum is reviewed by Archbishop Leonardo Sandri and Cardinal Bertone, who then speak with Prefect Re regarding the matter before archiving the document.
December 2007: Sambi meets with McCarrick to discuss his relocation from the Redemptoris Mater seminary and the request for him to lead a quiet life of prayer.
These revelations paint a troubling picture of the allegations against McCarrick and the actions taken by Church officials in response.
Intriguing Cardinal McCarrick Saga Unveiled: A Tale of Power, Allegations, and Secrets Revealed
Cardinal McCarrick, a prominent figure in the Catholic Church, found himself embroiled in a scandal that shook the foundations of the Church. An emotional McCarrick confided in Sambi, expressing his disbelief that Priest 1’s allegations were considered a crime, dismissing it as a mere grab for money.
In January 2007, Sambi shared his concerns with Re after investigating whether the leaders of Redemptoris Mater seminary viewed McCarrick as a threat. Despite reports of McCarrick’s behavior being “touchy,” the seminary leaders did not see him as a danger.
By May 2007, McCarrick’s legal counsel attempted to settle with Priest 1, but the priest refused to sign a statement denying any sexual relations with McCarrick. Eventually, Priest 1 reached a settlement with the Archdiocese of Newark and the Diocese of Metuchen, without admitting any wrongdoing from McCarrick.
Throughout 2007-2008, despite the allegations, McCarrick continued his active involvement in various church committees and international events, even engaging with Pope Benedict XVI himself. Sambi remained unaware of McCarrick’s extensive travels, while McCarrick resided at the Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Maryland.
In April 2008, Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to the U.S. saw McCarrick concelebrating Mass with him, showcasing the complex web of relationships and power dynamics within the Church.
This intriguing saga of Cardinal McCarrick highlights the intricate balance of loyalty, power, and secrecy within the Catholic Church, leaving many questions unanswered and secrets waiting to be revealed.
