In a move seen as unprecedented, Pope Francis has effectively stripped US prelate Theodore McCarrick of his cardinal's title following allegations of sexual abuse.
Francis ordered McCarrick to conduct a "life of prayer and penance" before a church trial is held. Breaking with past practice, Francis decided to act swiftly on the resignation offered by letter on Saturday by the emeritus archbishop of Washington, DC, even before the accusations are investigated by church officials.
McCarrick was heavily involved in the church's years-long response to allegations of priestly abuse.
The Pope ordered McCarrick's "suspension from the exercise of any public ministry, together with the obligation to remain in a house yet to be indicated to him, for a life of prayer and penance until the accusations made against him are examined in a regular canonical trial".
McCarrick has denied claims that he fondled a teenager more than 40 years ago. Another alleged victim says McCarrick exposed himself to him when he was 11 and continued a sexually abusive relationship with him. McCarrick has not responded publicly to these claims.
