May 19, 2002 - In a letter distributed throughout the archdiocese, Cardinal Law apologizes for his role in the clergy abuse scandal, but denies knowing about the allegations of sexual abuse against the Rev. Shanley until 1993.

August 2, 2002 - Cardinal Law appears in court to testify about a settlement reached between the archdiocese of Boston and victims of clergy abuse. The archdiocese rescinds the offer shortly after it is announced.

December 6, 2002 - Cardinal Law is subpoenaed to appear before a grand jury investigating "possible criminal violations by church officials who supervised priests accused of sexually abusing children."

December 9, 2002 - In a letter signed by 58 priests, Law is asked to resign his post as archbishop.

December 11, 2002 - Cardinal Law resigns as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Catholic University of America.

December 13, 2002 - Resigns as Archbishop of Boston.

July 21, 2003 - A spokesman for the Massachusetts attorney general says former Cardinal Bernard Law and other top officials in Boston's Roman Catholic Archdiocese will not face criminal charges for keeping abusive priests in church parishes.

May 27, 2004 - Law is made Archpriest of the Patriarchal (now Papal) Liberian Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, Italy.

November 21, 2011 - The Vatican announces that Cardinal Law's position as Archpriest of the basilica of St. Mary Major will now be filled by Archbishop Santos Abril y Castello. Cardinal Law is now effectively in retirement.