Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua, Archbishop of Philadelphia, issued the following statement in the wake of the United States Senate's acquittal today of President Clinton on the articles of impeachment:



"As individuals and as a nation, we must now move forward from a Presidential crisis that has torn at the moral fiber of this country. I trust that all of us have developed a new appreciation for issues of truth, personal responsibility and moral conscience. " said Cardinal Bevilacqua.


"We will fail as a people if we do not recognize the lessons which must be learned from our country's moral and spiritual climate over the past year," said Cardinal Bevilacqua. "It is my greatest hope that Americans, especially our young people, will develop a new respect for absolute moral truth. Truth is not relevant to one's own situation. Truth is unequivocal, unchanging and absolute. This crisis has brought truth and morality to the forefront of the American people. I hope, as well, that this impeachment process has prompted more people to think about the value of living moral lives."


While Cardinal Bevilacqua has taken no political position on Presidential impeachment or censure, his Eminence recognizes the importance of speaking on moral issues. "I will continue to pray that our representatives in Washington exercise good judgment for the sake of our country and the good people who comprise it. With our prayers and a trust in God, we are assured that a greater good will come from what we have witnessed," said Cardinal Bevilacqua.