1972 Second International Congress of Delegates of Catholic Universities in Rome. 1973 Gabriel Cardinal Garrone, then prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education, writes letter to Catholic university presidents demanding maintenance of Catholic identity. 1976 Roemer v. Board of Public Works of Maryland. Landmark case demonstrating that ecclesial governance does not stand in the way of federal funds to Catholic higher education. Pope visits the United States, calls for American Catholic colleges and universities to be unapologetically Catholic.
Bishops publish first pastoral letter on Catholic higher education.
Frederick R. McManus of Catholic University of America sends memorandum to all Catholic university and college presidents opposing new canons. Congregation for Catholic Education sends new draft of document. Opponents of previous draft are, at first, pleased. Ex Corde Ecclesiae is issued. NCCB, under Bishop John Leibrecht, issues ordinances for U.S. implementation of Ex Corde Ecclesiae.