An canonical process at the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith found McCarrick guilty of "solicitation in the Sacrament of Confession, and sins against the Sixth Commandment with minors and with adults, with the aggravating factor of the abuse of power."
The report received attention at last year's fall meeting of the bishops, where Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston said that the Holy See intended to issue the report "if not before Christmas, soon in the new year." The report was made public on Nov. 10.
Several prominent U.S. clerics were discussed in the report including the retired Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop emeritus of Washington, D.C. The report included several details that were at odds with Wuerl's repeated claims of ignorance as to the allegations against McCarrick and any travel and residence restrictions requested of him by the Vatican.
Archbishop Jose Gomez addressed the report in his Monday remarks to the conference.
Also on Monday's agenda, the bishops voted to elect new chairmen of eight committees; the results were announced on Monday.
The bishops voted to fill vacancies on the religious liberty committee, as well as the committees for pro-life activities, doctrine, education, communications, priorities and plans, cultural diversity in the Church, and national collections.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan was elected to lead the religious liberty committee, while Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore was selected to lead the pro-life committee. Bishop Daniel Flores of Brownsville will lead the committee on doctrine.
The bishops are also expected to address other relevant issues including the coronavirus pandemic and racial tensions in the U.S. Relevant to the last issue, the bishops are expected to reauthorize the ad hoc committee against racism, formed in 2017.
Suzanne Healy, chair of the National Review Board, will also deliver an update on policies and practices to protect children.
Archbishop Pierre encouraged the bishops of the U.S. to look to the example of the recently-beatified Fr. Michael McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus, "who understood the challenges" of vulnerable immigrants, widows and orphans in his day.
"We see a priest who used his authority wisely to animate his lay apostolate with the Knights of Columbus," Archbishop Pierre said, asking for the Blessed's intercession "in offering your flocks a witness to hope."
(Story continues below)
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
Matt Hadro was the political editor at Catholic News Agency through October 2021. He previously worked as CNA senior D.C. correspondent and as a press secretary for U.S. Congressman Chris Smith.