LA archbishop relieves Cardinal Mahony of duties

Prelate asks prayers for abuse victims after the release of priests' personnel files

Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles elevates the chalice as he celebrates Mass with Cardinal Roger M. Mahoney, retired archbishop of Los Angeles, in 2011. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Catholic News Agency reports that Los Angeles Archbishop Jose H. Gomez has relieved retired Cardinal Roger Mahony of his remaining duties after the release of personnel files of priests accused of sexual abuse decades ago. Also Bishop Thomas Curry of Santa Barbara has stepped down.

"We need to acknowledge that terrible failure today. We need to pray for everyone who has ever been hurt by members of the Church, and we need to continue to support the long and painful process of healing their wounds and restoring the trust that was broken," the archbishop said in a Jan. 31 statement.

Archbishop Gomez noted that "effective immediately, I have informed Cardinal Mahony," who served the archdiocese from 1985 to 2011, "that he will no longer have any administrative or public duties."

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