Official Statement of the Holy See

"The Holy Father has accepted the resignation of pastoral government of the Archdiocese of Boston (U.S.A.), presented by the Most Eminent Cardinal Bernard Francis Law, in conformity with Canon 401 Section 2 of the Code of Canon Law.

"John Paul II has nominated as Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Boston His Excellency Richard Gerard Lennon, Titular Bishop of Sufes and Auxiliary of the same Archdiocese."

Statement of Bernard Cardinal Law

"I am profoundly grateful to the Holy Father for having accepted my resignation as Archbishop of Boston.

"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.

"To all those who have suffered from my shortcomings and mistakes I both apologize and from them beg forgiveness.

"To the bishops, priests, deacons, religious and laity, with whom I have been privileged to work in our efforts to fulfill the Church's mission, I express my deep gratitude. My gratitude extends as well to so many others with whom I have been associated in serving the common good; these include those from the ecumenical, Jewish, and wider interreligious communities as well as public officials and others in the civil society.

"The particular circumstances of this time suggest a quiet departure. Please keep me in your prayers."

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