Pope names Cardinal Law archpriest of Rome basilica

Published: 2004-05-27

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II has named retired Cardinal Bernard F. Law of Boston to be the new archpriest of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. The Vatican announced the cardinal's appointment May 27. The 72-year-old Cardinal Law stepped down as head of the Archdiocese of Boston in December 2002 in the wake of controversy over his handling of multiple cases of sexual abuse committed by Boston priests. In his new post as archpriest, Cardinal Law will oversee the administration and liturgical life of St. Mary Major, one of the four major basilicas of Rome. Cardinal Law was in Rome when the announcement was made, but he was not available for comment. The basilicas of St. Peter, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major and St. Paul Outside the Walls are under the direct jurisdiction of the Vatican.

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