Cardinal Bernard Law died yesterday after a lengthy illness related to congestive heart failure. Cardinal Law died in Rome at the age of 86, after a brief hospitalization. Two weeks ago, he experienced a decline in health and was admitted to a clinic in Rome to monitor the problem. He had been unresponsive for several days before his death.
Cardinal Law was appointed Archbishop of Boston in 1984, and resigned from the position in 2002, after reports revealed that he did not disclose multiple allegations of clerical sexual abuse to the police or to the public, or intervene to remove priests accused of sexual abuse from priestly ministry.
After his resignation, he moved to Rome. He was assigned as the Archpriest of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in 2004 by Pope John Paul II, a largely ceremonial position from which he resigned on the occasion of his 80th birthday.
The Vatican announced Wednesday that the funeral Mass of Cardinal Bernard Law, will be held Thursday.
As is customary for Cardinals who were most recently assigned to a ministry in Rome, the Mass will be held at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica, and will be presided over by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, dean of the College of Cardinals, alongside other Cardinals and
Bishops.
After the Eucharistic celebration, Pope Francis will preside over the rite of Last Commendation and the Valediction, as is usual. Law will be buried in a tomb at Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major, which is customary for the Priests who have served there.
May the Lord grant him merciful repose. May his soul and the souls of all the Faithful Departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
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