Theodore McCarrick, an American Catholic cardinal defrocked by Pope Francis in 2019 following a Vatican investigation that he had molested adults and children, died at 94 in Missouri.

Archbishop of Washington, Robert McElroy, confirmed Mr McCarrick’s death in a statement on Friday.

Although Mr McElroy did not provide details regarding McCarrick’s death, he focused on the victims of the deceased’s sexual abuse.

“At this moment I am especially mindful of those who he harmed during the course of his priestly ministry,” Mr McElroy said. “Through their enduring pain, may we remain steadfast in our prayers for them and for all victims of sexual abuse.”

Mr McCarrick was ordained in 1958 and became archbishop in Newark, New Jersey, in 1986 and then archbishop of Washington, D.C., in 2000. He rose to power despite church officials’ knowledge of allegations of sexual abuse against him.

According to a Vatican investigation into Mr McCarrick’s tenure, credible reports of his abusive behavior dating to 1999, including an inquiry, confirmed that the ex-cardinal slept with seminarians.

He was removed from the priesthood after the investigation confirmed he had sexually molested adults and children. Mr McCarrick became the highest-ranking Catholic cleric in the U.S. to face criminal charges bordering on sexual abuse.

Four years ago, the deceased was accused of assaulting a teenage boy at a wedding reception in Massachusetts in 1974.

A 2020 explosive report, however, revealed that the Vatican uncovered institutional failures leading to the promotions for Mr McCarrick despite allegations of sexual misconduct with young men.

The report also blamed late John Paul II, who was said to have facilitated Mr McCarrick’s appointments despite allegations of sexual abuse.

However, a Wisconsin judge suspended charges against Mr McCarrick and ruled that the deceased was incompetent for trial owing to dementia.