1971 - Law is named vicar general of the Natchez-Jackson diocese.

December 5, 1973 - Is made bishop of the Springfield-Cape Girardeau diocese in southern Missouri.

1974-1985 - Trustee at Pontifical College Josephinum in Ohio.

1975 - Is made chair of the Bishops Committee on Ecumenical and Interracial Affairs.

1976 - Is named to the Vatican Commission on Religious Relations with Jews.

January 11, 1984 - Pope John Paul II appoints Law to be the archbishop of the Boston Archdiocese, which has two million Roman Catholics.

1984 - Law receives a letter from a bishop, expressing concerns about Rev. John Geoghan.

May 25, 1985 - Pope John Paul II elevates Law to cardinal.

1990 - Makes an official visit to Cuba and meets with Fidel Castro.

1996 - Demonstrates in front of the White House to urge President Clinton to sign a bill outlawing late-term abortions.