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Overview
Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church and Archbishop of Boston (1984-2002) who became the central figure in the Catholic Church sexual abuse scandal. Systematically covered up the sexual abuse of children by priests in the Boston Archdiocese for nearly two decades, transferring known predator priests to new parishes where they continued to abuse children. Rather than report abusers to police, Law reassigned at least 70 priests accused of abuse to new assignments. After the Boston Globe Spotlight team exposed the cover-up in 2002, Law resigned but was never criminally charged. The Vatican rewarded him with a prestigious appointment to a Roman basilica.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
Systematically covered up sexual abuse of children by at least 70 priests in the Boston Archdiocese over 18 years
Transferred known predator priests including John Geoghan and Paul Shanley to new parishes where they continued abusing children
Ignored warnings from parents, parishioners, and even other priests about serial abusers
Internal documents showed Law personally received reports of abuse and approved reassignments of accused priests
At least 1,000 victims identified in Boston Archdiocese alone during the period of Law's cover-up
Never criminally charged despite extensive evidence of obstruction; grand jury cited him but no indictment pursued
After resignation in disgrace, Vatican appointed him Archpriest of prestigious Roman basilica - perceived as reward for silence
Boston Globe Spotlight investigation that exposed the cover-up won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service
Related Investigations (1)
Criminal Charges & Violations
3 documented violations
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 119 § 51A - Mandatory Reporter FailureFailed to report known child sexual abuse to authorities as required by Massachusetts mandatory reporting laws(human-rights)
18 U.S.C. § 1512 - Obstruction (equivalent state charges)Systematically concealed evidence of child abuse, destroyed records, and transferred predator priests to avoid detection(obstruction)
Canon Law 1389 - Abuse of Ecclesiastical PowerUsed episcopal authority to protect institutional reputation at the expense of child safety across the entire archdiocese(ethics)
Known Associates & Connections
John Geoghan
Serial predator priest whom Law transferred to six different parishes despite abuse complaints; murdered in prison 2003
Paul Shanley
Priest known as street priest who abused children for decades while Law covered it up
Pope John Paul II
Accepted Law's resignation but then appointed him to prestigious Roman position
Sources & Documentation
3 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Boston Globe Spotlight Team: Abuse in the Catholic Church(2002)
Massachusetts AG Report: Sexual Abuse of Children in the Archdiocese of Boston(2003)
John Jay College Report: Causes and Context of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Catholic Priests(2011)
Personal Information
- Born
- 1931-11-04
- Birthplace
- Torreon, Mexico
- Also Known As
- Cardinal Law
Education
- •B.A., Harvard University (1953)
- •Theological Studies, St. Joseph Seminary (1961)
Key Timeline
1931-11-04
Born in Torreon, Mexico to American parents
1984
Appointed Archbishop of Boston by Pope John Paul II
1985
Elevated to Cardinal; begins receiving reports of priest abuse
1984-2002
Systematically transfers at least 70 accused priests to new parishes rather than reporting to police
1993
Settles abuse claims against Father James Porter; pledges transparency but continues cover-up
2002-01-06
Boston Globe publishes Spotlight investigation revealing systematic cover-up of abuse by Father John Geoghan
2002-01-31
Thousands of pages of internal documents released showing Law knew of and covered up widespread abuse
2002-12-13
Resigns as Archbishop of Boston amid overwhelming public pressure and calls for criminal prosecution
2003
Massachusetts Attorney General report identifies 237 priests and 789 victims in Boston; cites Law but brings no charges
2004-05
Appointed Archpriest of Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome by Pope John Paul II
2017-12-20
Dies in Rome at age 86; never faced criminal prosecution