Church officials indicated earlier that more of the American cardinals would attend.

Only 2 of the 12 American cardinals there bothered to attend.

He became the second American to be made cardinal.

All American cardinals and many bishops serve on the board of trustees, which now has 48 members.

He should in fairness describe himself as at odds with the united stand taken by the American cardinals.

He is the oldest American cardinal still running an archdiocese.

Taken individually, the current crop of American cardinals are known for various strengths.

Vatican officials announced an expanded list of powerful church leaders who will meet with the pope and American cardinals.

"This may be why the pope named so many Latin American cardinals."

In 1875, he became the first American cardinal.