Pope Francis's decision to defrock former cardinal Theodore McCarrick "is a clear signal that abuse will not be tolerated", the US Conference of Catholic Bishops said Saturday.
McCarrick, 88, who resigned from the Vatican's College of Cardinals in July, is the first cardinal ever to be defrocked for sex abuse.
"No bishop, no matter how influential, is above the law of the Church," Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, president of the bishops conference, said in a statement.
"For all those McCarrick abused, I pray this judgment will be one small step, among many, toward healing.
"For us bishops, it strengthens our resolve to hold ourselves accountable to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am grateful to Pope Francis for the determined way he has led the Church's response."
"Victims Assistance Coordinators are available to help. We are committed to healing and reconciliation."
It said McCarrick was guilty of "sins against the Sixth Commandment with minors and with adults, with the aggravating factor of the abuse of power."
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