Cardinal Law in taped testimony taken in June on the handling of the Rev. Paul Shanley. ardinal Bernard F. Law's tempestuous road to resignation was marked by roiling protests, televised apologies, secret sessions beyond velvet ropes at the Vatican, and the specter of financial calamity. But the roots of the archbishop of Boston's demise lay in a simple admission he made in court papers in June 2001 and then reaffirmed with a damning repetition. He knew about allegations that John J. Geoghan...

After Masses at St. Mary Major, the sociable Law often greets parishioners and tourists in front of the basilica. Photo by Victor Sokolowicz. Every Sunday morning at 10, an usher stands outside the sacristy of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome and tugs on a rope to ring a bell. At this signal, the organist and choir take up the morning’s hymn, an original work composed by the basilica’s choirmaster. On this cue, the congregation rises to its feet. A procession of nearly 30 men, includin...

Andrew Brown: Pope Benedict's decision to give a job in Rome to Law, who is wanted by a grand jury in Boston in connection with sex scandals, is indefensible