Theodore McCarrick, the former archbishop of Washington, DC, has passed away at the age of 93. His death, which occurred on Thursday, was somewhat overshadowed by significant global economic turmoil following the recent “Liberation Day” tariffs.
McCarrick’s life and career were marked by controversy. He faced serious allegations of sexual misconduct, which ultimately led to his defrocking and removal from public life. Many are left wondering how to remember a figure who was once a prominent leader in the Catholic Church but later became a symbol of its struggles with abuse scandals.
Born into a world of privilege and power, McCarrick rose through the ranks of the Church, becoming a close associate of influential figures like Cardinal Spellman. He was known for his public appearances alongside political leaders, which garnered both admiration and criticism. His relationships with Democratic politicians, particularly those who supported pro-abortion policies, drew mixed feelings from the Catholic community.
I had the chance to meet McCarrick on two occasions. The first was when I was a young child, and he encouraged me to think about becoming a priest. The second time, during the March for Life, he blessed my younger brother, who was having a tantrum. While opinions on him varied, many viewed McCarrick as a capable leader who managed the Archdiocese of Washington effectively during a challenging time for the Church.
However, the darker aspects of his legacy cannot be ignored. The sexual abuse allegations against him have raised questions about the Church’s leadership and the culture that allowed such behavior to persist. McCarrick exemplified the archetype of a "company man" in the Church, someone who was adept at navigating its structures but ultimately fell victim to the very issues he was supposed to address.
In recent years, the Catholic Church has been undergoing a transformation, moving away from its historical ties to wealth and power. This shift has made it harder to attract strong, ambitious leaders. Many believe that the Church now struggles to find competent administrators, leaving it vulnerable to individuals with less noble intentions.
The challenges facing the Church mirror those of many Western institutions today. The ongoing crises have raised concerns about whether the Church can recover and restore its leadership. As McCarrick’s death prompts reflection on his life, it also invites broader questions about the future of the Catholic Church and its ability to heal from past wounds.