But the American prelate, in a statement Tuesday, said he came away «encouraged» and poised to clean up the clergy sexual abuse scandal in his archdiocese.
Cardinal Law, in the statement published by the Vatican Press Office, said he had been in Rome the past few days and met with Vatican officials, including the Pope, to seek «counsel and advice.»
«The focus of my meetings was the impact of the [Father Paul] Shanley and other sexual abuse cases upon public opinion in general and specifically upon the members of the archdiocese,» the statement said. «The fact that my resignation has been proposed as necessary was part of my presentation.»
He continued: «As a result of my stay in Rome, I return home encouraged in my efforts to provide the strongest possible leadership in ensuring, as far as is humanly possible, that no child is ever abused again by a priest of this archdiocese.»
The 13 U.S. cardinals have been summoned by the Vatican to a meeting next week in Rome.
