Services held for former Archbishop

Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk had been in declining health for years before he died Sunday at the age of 85. His funeral Mass was held at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral in Cincinnati, which was nearly empty due to restrictions on public gatherings that remain in place due to the coronavirus.

The service was livestreamed on the archdiocese’s website and its Facebook page. Just 10 people were permitted in the church including current Archbishop Dennis Schnurr, who officiated at the event.

Church officials have said a memorial Mass open to the public will be held at a later date.

Pilarczyk led the archdiocese for 27 years and was the nation’s longest-serving bishop when he retired in 2009. His final years leading the region’s Catholic congregation included a public struggle with widespread allegations of clergy abuse.