Cardinal McCarrick's resignation not accepted yet by pope

Published: 2005-09-06

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI has asked Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick of Washington to continue heading the archdiocese although the cardinal has reached the usual retirement age of 75. The cardinal made the announcement at a Sept. 5 meeting with archdiocesan priests, said an archdiocesan news release. "I accept the Holy Father's decision with gratitude and confidence," said the cardinal, who turned 75 July 7. The news release said the cardinal was notified of the pope's decision in a letter from Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, apostolic nuncio to the United States. The cardinal is likely to continue heading the archdiocese for another two years, the announcement said.

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