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3d ago

Cardinal Roger Mahony Oversees Sealing of Pope Francis's Coffin, Drawing Victim Advocate Criticism

The Vatican defends the appointment of the retired cardinal, accused of shielding abusive priests, based on seniority in Church traditions.

Pope Francis appears on the central lodge of St. Peter's Basilica to bestow the Urbi et Orbi blessing at the end of the Easter Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, April 20, 2025.
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Overview

  • Cardinal Roger Mahony, 89, performed the Rite of Sealing of Pope Francis's coffin on April 25, 2025, at St. Peter's Basilica ahead of the late pope's funeral.
  • Mahony, accused of covering up clergy sexual abuse in the 1980s, has faced widespread condemnation from survivor advocacy groups for his ceremonial role.
  • The Vatican stated that Mahony's participation was determined by his seniority as one of the longest-serving cardinals, adhering to liturgical traditions.
  • During Mahony's tenure as Archbishop of Los Angeles, the archdiocese paid a $660 million settlement in 2007 to over 500 victims of clergy abuse.
  • The papal funeral is scheduled for April 26, 2025, with a conclave to elect the next pope set to begin no earlier than May 5, 2025.