1.   He also had such close connections to Rome that he was able to influence appointments to many American dioceses, including the choice of Cooke as his successor.

2.   Some bishops and cardinals have recently announced a zero-tolerance policy for sexual abusers, and have suggested that every American diocese should mandate this standard.

3.   The backlash against liturgical reforms is one reason why the Latin Mass has become increasingly popular in many American dioceses.

4.   The effect is more on the American dioceses that are hit with the big lawsuits.

5.   Baltimore is honored as the original American diocese with Cardinal William Keeler, though it went through two stretches without a red hat.