Statement of Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick
on the Death of Cardinal James A. Hickey

Cardinal James A. Hickey, the Archbishop of Washington for 20 years, from 1980-2000, died today at the age of 84.

Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, his successor as Archbishop of Washington, remembered Cardinal Hickey, whom he first met over 40 years ago:

"The death of Cardinal Hickey is poignant loss for the Church of Washington and a personal loss for me. Although he carried a heavy cross of illness during the past few years, his courage and faith continued to be a great inspiration to us all. His extraordinary service to the Church and this community in the education of children and the care of the poor and the stranger will only be completely realized in the passage of time. He was a great archbishop and a good and holy priest. We will all miss his smile and his wisdom very much."