The creation of an apostolic delegation to the United States (immigration and the expansion of Roman Catholicism in 19th century America)

Overwhelmingly Protestant from the start, the population of the United States underwent a significant change during the 19th century, especially after 1850. The massive immigration of Irish, Poles, Germans and Italians, most of them Catholics, led to the creation of new dioceses and parishes and the need for priests of the same origins and language. The Holy See sent several delegates to oversee their problems and inquire about the situation. Eventually in 1893, the Holy See decided to establish a permanent Apostolic Delegation in Washington. But the first permanent delegates met a strong opposition from the Episcopate, and, contrary to their expectations, were unable to restore peace and unanimity among American Catholics.