WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the House committee that oversees global human rights, today issued the following statement after Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the retirement of Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick as Archbishop of the Washington Archdiocese:    

“I have had the privilege of being able to call Cardinal McCarrick a friend since his days as Archbishop of the Newark Archdiocese in New Jersey.   We worked closely together to stand for the internationally recognized right of religious freedom, particularly in China.  

“Cardinal McCarrick has always been a great pastor at heart and has a special ability to apply the social aspects of the Gospel to modern life. 

“Cardinal McCarrick is a holy, compassionate and practical man who radiates Christ to those in his presence.   His humanitarianism was a true inspiration and his touch will be felt for years to come.”

The Vatican has announced that Pope Benedict has appointed Pittsburgh Bishop Donald W. Wuerl, who has led the Pittsburgh diocese for 18 years, to be the sixth archbishop of Washington