Wuerl's name appeared more than 100 times in a state grand jury report and is quickly becoming associated with church efforts to minimize sexual abuse allegations over the years.

CRANBERRY TWP — The name of Cardinal Donald Wuerl will be removed from North Catholic High School, officials announced Wednesday.

The board of directors for the school and the board of Catholic High Schools of the Diocese of Pittsburgh on Wednesday accepted a request to change the name to North Catholic High School. Bishop David Zubik accepted the recommendations.

Zubik expressed his thanks to both boards, noting that as they offered their recommendation, they had also “acknowledged the contributions that Cardinal Wuerl has made to Catholic education in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.”

Zubik said, “The school was named in honor of Cardinal Wuerl in recognition of his efforts to preserve and expand Catholic education opportunities for the children of Pittsburgh — regardless of religion and regardless of need.”

Zubik said he made his decision in the best interest of the high school.

“My concern is first, foremost and always for the students, that nothing overshadows their Catholic education,” Zubik said.

Wuerl's name appeared more than 100 times in a state grand jury report and is quickly becoming associated with church efforts to minimize sexual abuse allegations over the years.

The cardinal, who was then bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, is repeatedly described in the report as dealing with accused priests by relocating them.

That has led to a movement to rename the school.

On Monday, the words “Cardinal Wuerl” on the school sign along Route 228 were covered by the red paint.

The incident occurred as a petition on Change.org aims to remove Wuerl's name from the school. Thousands of petitioners called for the removal, many of whom were alumni of the school.