Pope Francis has defrocked a cardinal following allegations that he sexually abused a teenager over 50 years ago.
In a move that sees cardinal Theodore McCarrick, being the first ever high profile cardinal to be removed from his position, the Vatican said McCarrick’s crimes were made all the more serious by “the aggravating factor of the abuse of power.”
McCarrick who lost his title of cardinal last July, was defrocked by the Pope Francis following an appeal.
It is understood that McCarrick who is accused of abusing a 16-year-old boy in Washington DC, over 50 years ago can no longer be called a priest or celebrate sacraments.
The Pope’s latest decision comes as the Catholic Church has vowed to tackle historic sexual abuse cases within the church.