Hoyer Pays Tribute to the Service of Cardinal McCarrick

WASHINGTON, DC- Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) released the following statement in response to the announced retirement of Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick as Archbishop of the Washington Archdiocese:

"For over five years, Cardinal McCarrick has served the Washington area Catholic community, including many families in my district, with distinction.

"His moral leadership has guided local parishioners through times of great triumph and tribulation for the Catholic Church.

"Cardinal McCarrick has a built a tremendous record of moral clarity—including his support for the basic human rights of immigrants.

"Most recently, McCarrick joined the ‘Save Darfur' rally in Washington to demand greater U.S. involvement in the region's crisis.

"The Washington Archdiocese is one the most visible in the nation—and McCarrick has done a commendable job of building an ethnically and ideologically diverse coalition of Catholics.

"While McCarrick's shoes will be difficult to fill, he is being replaced by his longtime friend and trusted colleague.

"Bishop Donald Wuerl of Pittsburgh has strong ties to the area, including three terms on the board of trustees at Catholic University. I wish him the best success in his new endeavor."

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