BOSTON (AP) - Cardinal Bernard Law will not attend the installation next Wednesday of his successor, the Archdiocese of Boston announced.
Law, who resigned last December from the post that Sean Patrick O'Malley is taking over, was among hundreds of clergy and dignitaries invited to O'Malley's installation as archbishop. The archbishop-elect has also invited survivors of clergy sexual abuse and their families.
The announcement did not say why Law declined the invitation.
Law was widely criticized for his handling of the abuse scandal that began in Boston. His resignation made him the highest-ranking church official to step down over the scandal.
Law now serves as chaplain at a convent in Maryland. He remains a member of the College of Cardinals and of several important Vatican offices, including the one that nominates new bishops for appointment by the pope.