Rome
Pope John Paul II has given a plum position in Rome to the American cardinal who was forced out of the Boston Archdiocese over the pedophile priest scandal. The prestigious appointment as archpriest of St. Mary Major Basilica makes Cardinal Bernard Law one of the most highly placed Americans in the Vatican. After outraged editorials appeared in Boston papers, the Vatican announced that Law’s stipend would be $5,000 a month, not the $12,000 his successor was given, but activists were not placated. “This public affirmation of Cardinal Law’s position as a church leader undermines the pope’s stated concern for children and young people,” said James E. Post, president of the lay organization Voice of the Faithful. Law resigned in 2002 after admitting he covered for priests in his diocese who had sexually abused children.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
5 low ratings cartoons about the Late Show cancellationCartoons Artists take on early warning signs, the Gen Z stare, and more
-
Connie Francis: Superstar of the early 1960s pop sceneIn the Spotlight The 'Pretty Little Baby' and 'Stupid Cupid' singer has died aged 87
-
Crossword: July 26, 2025The Week's daily crossword puzzle
