In reality his nomination was lost to the certain knowledge that if any sign was given by the Vatican to gays outside of the closet, all hell would break loose inside the clergy ranks.  I'm not referencing out gay priests, I'm referencing closeted gay cardinals and bishops who couldn't deal with a Vatican 'open' to any gays.  It always comes back to the all celibate male clergy and their reasons for accepting ordination.  

I am always amazed at the average pew sitter's inability to understand why this Church can't move forward on the clergy abuse crisis.  For once, it's only partially about the money.  For too many practicing  Catholics it's about the sacramental magic and their own soul and avoiding hell.  Hence the official Catholic line from prelates like Wuerl about the Gingrich's:  "They both went to confession."   As long as the 'confession card' can be played by adulterous heterosexuals, gay Catholics don't stand a chance versus the hetero norm.