Statement by The Most Reverend John J. Myers, Archbishop of Newark,
on the Retirement of Theodore Cardinal McCarrick and the Appointment of  The Most Reverend Donald Wuerl as Archbishop of Washington

Warmest good wishes and congratulations to His Eminence, Theodore Cardinal McCarrick, as he embarks on a new phase in his ministry within the Catholic Church.    

He has served the people of the local Church of Washington with the same zeal and dedication to the faith that he has shown throughout his life as a priest and bishop.  They have learned in his five years in Washington what the people of the local churches of New York, Metuchen and Newark have long known – that in every action, every effort, he truly is “thinking of you.”

Although an announcement of retirement typically brings with it a sense of ending, I know that today’s announcement is different.      While Cardinal McCarrick may not be dealing with day-to-day diocesan responsibilities, he is sure to continue to work tirelessly for the Church in a range of new undertakings both for the bishops in the United States and for the universal Church in the years to come.   He has been a friend and advisor to me since I first became a bishop and then after I was named to lead the Archdiocese of Newark.  I have been grateful for his friendship and advice.

I also want to express my joy and good wishes to Archbishop-elect Donald Wuerl as he assumes the roles of chief shepherd for Catholics of the Archdiocese of Washington and servant to all people of faith in our nation’s capital.  I have known Archbishop Wuerl for more than 40 years, first as a fellow seminarian studying in Rome and then subsequently as a priest and brother bishop.   In fact, we were ordained together in Rome in 1966. 

I know that the people of the local Church of Washington will soon come to recognize in him what I and the people of the local Church of Pittsburgh have long known – that he is deeply committed to the faith and to the Church and her people.  He is a compassionate and loving pastor, and a staunch defender of human dignity.     The prayers of the people of this local Church of Newark are with him as he accepts the call of our Holy Father to serve the Church in this important national post.