VATICAN CITY -- Cardinal Bernard Law resigned as Boston archbishop Dec. 13, shortly after meeting with Pope John Paul II over claims that Law failed to protect children from molesters in the clergy.
Law is the highest-ranking church leader to fall as a result of the clerical sex abuse crisis that has plagued the Roman Catholic Church this year, according to The Associated Press.
"It is my fervent prayer that this action may help the Archdiocese of Boston to experience the healing, reconciliation and unity which are so desperately needed," Law said in a statement released by the Vatican.
"To all those who have suffered from my shortcomings and mistakes, I both apologize and from them beg forgiveness."
The pope named Bishop Richard Lennon, an auxiliary bishop in Boston, to run the diocese temporarily. The pope was described by a Vatican official as "deeply saddened" by the whole affair. Law was one of the pope's closest American advisers. In April, Law offered to resign in a meeting with the pope, but the pontiff rejected the idea.
More than 400 alleged victims are suing the archdiocese, and Law has taken steps to allow it to file for bankruptcy. Temporary administrators in the church rarely are empowered to make major decisions, according to AP.
The 71-year-old Law will remain a cardinal, which means he could move into another church post and retains the right to vote in a papal election, until he turns 80.
