11.   According to one story, Archbishop John Carroll of Baltimore, the first American bishop, badly needed teachers.

12.   But American bishops still face a tug-of-war with the Vatican over how to punish priests accused of sexual abuse.

13.   But in recent years his national influence had waned as the conference of American bishops grew more conservative.

14.   But the summit will also tackle the difficult task of setting parameters before all the American bishops gather in Dallas in June for a debate on abuse policy.

15.   But three years ago, the Vatican, after being lobbied by American bishops, did reverse its longtime prohibition on girl altar servers.

16.   But while the pope urged governments and Catholics to protect the poor, he also advised American bishops not to turn their backs on the elite.

17.   Four American bishops have resigned this year amid their own sex scandals, and many other bishops have been accused of protecting abusive priests.

18.   Gregory and Skylstad said the Vatican is leaving it to the American bishops to address the clergy sexual abuse issue.

19.   He expressed no opinion on the conduct of the American bishops.

20.   In November, the cardinal wrote what sounded like a farewell letter to American bishops.