DiNardo said that his fellow bishops were strengthened in their resolve to be accountable to the Gospel, and that he is grateful for the way Pope Francis has responded to claims of abuse.
Cardinal Joseph Tobin, archbishop of McCarrick's former diocese of Newark, said in a statement that McCarrick and other clerical abusers had "violated a sacred trust" and "caused incalculable harm" to the lives of victims - young and old.
"To all those abused by clergy, especially the victims of Theodore McCarrick, I continue to express my profound sadness and renew my heartfelt apologies for the life-long suffering you have endured," Tobin said.
"Despite the reprehensible misconduct and crimes of all who have abused minors, we must challenge ourselves to continue to follow Christ our Redeemer in our Church, where the healing power of God's love is manifest each day."
The Archdiocese of Washington expressed hope the Vatican decision will assist survivors with the healing process, and reassure those who have "experienced disappointment or disillusionment because of what former Archbishop McCarrick has done."
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Bishop James F. Checchio of Metuchen, New Jersey, another of McCarrick's former diocese, released a statement Saturday in which he reflected on the "range of emotions" those in his diocese were feeling as the news of McCarrick's laicization continues to sink in.
"Today I am praying particularly for those lay people and priests who are survivors of Theodore McCarrick," Checchio wrote.
"While the news does not take away the pain these survivors have experienced, it is hopefully a further step in their healing and a statement by the Church that these crimes and sins are certainly not to be tolerated, in any way."
Checchio noted that McCarrick was in fact the founding bishop of the Metuchen diocese after its creation in 1981.
"Theodore McCarrick will always be associated with the history of our diocese and his legacy has become one of scandal and betrayal," he wrote.
"However, I was reminded in prayer that our diocese is not founded on Theodore McCarrick, but Christ the Lord, who renews His Church in every age...I am grateful for the leadership of Pope Francis in acting decisively, in expediting this process and coming to this appropriate conclusion."