A disgraced US cardinal who was accused of covering up a clerical child abuse scandal has now selected to seal Pope Francis’ casket and entomb his remains for his burial.

Cardinal Roger Mahony is one of the nine cardinals and dozens of other clergymen who will play a ceremonial role in closing the late pope’s coffin Friday ahead of the pontiff’s funeral Saturday morning in St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican shared on Wednesday.

Mahony, who was stripped of his administrative and public duties in January of 2023, will also assist in overseeing the pope’s interment at Rome’s Basilica of Saint Mary Major after the funeral arose.

‘Shame on him for taking part in the public rite for Pope Francis, and shame on the College of Cardinals for allowing him to do so’- a member of the Bishop Accountability group shared.

 

When the Vatican was asked to provide an explanation on the matter and why he was chosen, they simply claimed that he got the most votes based on his seniority as a cardinal.

The Pope will reportedly be buried tomorrow as world leaders gather to pay their final respects to him before his funeral.