Former US Cardinal Theodore McCarrick Defrocked Over Sexual Abuse

Former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, archbishop emeritus of Washington, speaks during a news conference with senators and national religious leaders at the U.S. Capitol December 8, 2015 in Washington. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images.

The Vatican dismissed former U.S. Cardinal Theodore Edgar McCarrick from the Roman Catholic priesthood on Feb. 16 after he was found guilty in a canonical process of sexual abuse against both minors and adults.

The ruling against McCarrick—one of the most prominent figures in the U.S. Catholic Church—was made final by Pope Francis, following an appeal by McCarrick.