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CNN Live Today

Boston Cardinal Makes Secret Visit to Vatican

Aired April 17, 2002 - 13:41   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Days before American cardinals are due to gather at the Vatican, we learn one cardinal made a secret trip there last week. He's the cardinal most under fire in the sex scandal gripping the U.S. church, and says he is more intent than ever not to step down. CNN's Jason Carroll has the latest from Boston.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (on camera): Cardinal Law hasn't been seen publicly since last Tuesday, and now we know the reason why. He was meeting with the pope to try get counseling and advice from the pope, as well as other Vatican officials.

Late last night, the archdiocese of Boston released a statement quoting Cardinal Law as saying, in part: "The focus of my meetings was the impact of the Shanley and other sexual abuse cases upon public opinion in general, and specifically, upon the members of the Archdiocese. The fact that my resignation has been proposed as necessary was part of my presentation."

Cardinal Law, as you know, has been under intense pressure to resign because he allowed an accused pedophile priest, Father Paul Shanley, to have access to children. Church documents show he moved Shanley from perish to perish for years. Law said I return home feeling encouraged to provide strong leadership. He does have some support from Catholics here in Boston. He also has the support of Washington's cardinal, Theodore McCarrick.

CARDINAL THEODORE MCCARRICK, ARCHBISHOP OF WASHINGTON: I don't see his eminence resigning. I think he feels he has a responsibility to the church of Boston, to make this the very best policy in the United States and to clear out all of the mistakes that they may have done in the past.

CARROLL: The pope has summoned all U.S. cardinals to the Vatican for a meeting next week. Cardinal Law will be among those attending. The meetings will focus on setting guidelines aimed at restoring a sense of safety, as well as restoring a sense of tranquillity. Back to you.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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