Pope accepts resignation of Washington archbishop accused of sexual abuse

The former archbishop of Washington, D.C., Theodore McCarrick, has resigned following accusations of sexual abuse.

The Vatican accepted McCarrick’s resignation on Saturday, according to multiple reports.

“Pope Francis accepted his resignation from the cardinalate and has ordered his 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,” the Vatican said in a statement.

{mosads}McCarrick, a prominent figure in the U.S. Catholic Church, was removed from public ministry last month after church officials determined allegations that he sexually abused a teenager decades ago were “credible.”

McCarrick said last month that he had “no recollection” of the reported abuse, but also issued an apology to his accuser.

“While I have absolutely no recollection of this reported abuse, and believe in my innocence, I am sorry for the pain the person who brought the charges has gone through, as well as for the scandal such charges cause our people,” McCarrick said.

Several men have come forward with additional allegations against McCarrick in the weeks since his removal, according to Reuters.

McCarrick served as D.C.’s archbishop from 2001 to 2006 and was close to multiple popes and U.S. presidents.