The Irish-born American cardinal and former bishop of Dallas, Tex., is considered a big hitter in the Vatican because of the many important responsibilities that Pope Francis has entrusted to him in recent years.

The shift of power away from the hierarchy of bishops "will break the neck of the church," the cardinal said.

“I want to live my mission as long as God allows me and that’s it,” Francis said when asked about his health by Brazilian bishops.

Retired Bishop Lucas Van Looy of Ghent, Belgium, asked Pope Francis to withdraw his nomination, and the pope agreed.

Donations from the United States led charitable giving to the annual Peter’s Pence collection, which supports the work of the Roman Curia and funds the charitable activity of the pope.

The pope has issued new regulations for the creation of religious groups, with the apparent intent of preventing anti-Vatican II and abusive organizations to form.