The retired archbishop emeritus of Washington, D.C., Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, was removed from his public ministerial role of 66 years after “credible” allegations he sexually abused a teen 50 years ago.

The Vatican has investigated the claim, and found the allegations against McCarrick when he was a priest in New York were substantiated.

Three additional allegations of sexual misconduct were brought to light, this time with adults, while he was serving in New Jersey for the Archdiocese of Newark and Diocese of Metuchen. Two of those allegations resulted in the form of settlements.

“My sadness was deepened when I was informed that the allegations had been determined credible and substantiated.” McCarrick said in a statement Wednesday. “While I have absolutely no recollection of this reported abuse, and believe in my innocence, I am sorry for the pain the person who brought the charges has gone through, as well as for the scandal such charges cause our people.”

Pope Francis has been on a world tour asking for forgiveness on behalf of the Church over sexual abuse. A cleaning of house has also occurred in Chile, where all bishops have resigned over widespread sex scandals. (RELATED: Chile’s Bishops Resign Over Sex Abuse Scandal, Victims Rejoice)

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