1.   The announcement comes two days before American bishops meet in Dallas to decide on proposals to deal with sexual abuse in the clergy.

2.   The announcement of his resignation comes two days before American bishops meet in Dallas to decide on proposals to deal with sexual abuse in the clergy.

3.   The bishops next meet in Mexico in December, and a draft statement is to be completed by next summer.

4.   The resignation was announced two days before American bishops meet in Dallas to decide on proposals to deal with sexual abuse in the clergy.