Cardinal Timothy Dolan Reflects on Spiritual Legacy After Retirement

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the recently retired Archbishop of New York, has embraced a new role as a “spiritual granddad” to the city’s residents. In an interview with EWTN News In Depth, Dolan stated, “You never retire from being a priest or a bishop,” emphasizing his ongoing commitment to the community despite stepping down from his formal position.

Dolan, who served as archbishop for over a decade, will continue to support the city as co-chaplain of the New York Police Department alongside Rev. A.R. Bernard, a prominent evangelical pastor. Reflecting on his successor, Archbishop Ronald Hicks, Dolan expressed admiration, calling him “a real gem.”

The cardinal’s sentiments about local leadership were mixed, particularly regarding newly elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Dolan expressed disappointment that Mamdani did not attend Hicks’ installation ceremony and did not invite him to his own inauguration. He remarked that this absence goes against the spirit of religious cooperation in New York, which he values highly. “One of the many things I love about New York is the amity among the different religions,” he stated.

Dolan believes that the Catholic Church plays a vital role in the city’s social fabric. He noted the church’s influence on the lives of many citizens, stating, “A big chunk of the citizens of this great city profess the one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic Church as their family of religious choice.”

Advocacy and Social Issues

Cardinal Dolan has been active in advocating for religious freedom, particularly regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in churches. He recalled instances when ICE agents disrupted Sunday Mass, which he described as a “violation of religious freedom.” Dolan worked alongside Rev. Franklin Graham to address these concerns, successfully persuading ICE’s New York director to cease such activities.

Despite his advocacy, Cardinal Dolan faced challenges in influencing local policy. He expressed his opposition to a recent physician-assisted suicide bill, which was signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul. Dolan, who had personal discussions with Hochul about the matter, drew a connection between this legislation and New York’s abortion policies. He remarked, “If human life is cheap… why would we not be surprised?”

The cardinal expressed concern over the perception of human life within society, linking it to rising violence and societal issues. He stated, “If human life is thought to be burdensome… then we’re in trouble.”

Reflections on Faith and Culture

When discussing the relationship between Catholic teachings and political stances, Dolan highlighted the importance of moral integrity. He noted that Catholic positions are rooted in natural law and human reason. “It might deepen your chagrin when a committed Catholic takes positions that are contrary to the faith,” he explained.

Despite the challenges, Dolan sees a positive trajectory for Catholic influence in the United States, particularly as the country approaches its 250th anniversary. He pointed out that Catholics have made significant strides in education, leadership, and community service. “Catholics are well-educated. They’re prosperous. They have positions of leadership, responsibility, and service within our communities,” he noted.

Dolan emphasized the alignment between Catholic values and American ideals, citing common beliefs in democracy, family, and the common good. He warned, however, that an excessive alignment with contemporary culture could lead to a dilution of Catholic beliefs. “The more similar we become to the culture, sometimes the more at odds we come with our Catholic beliefs,” he cautioned.

As he steps into this new chapter of life, Cardinal Dolan remains committed to his spiritual mission within the diverse tapestry of New York City. His reflections underscore a broader discourse on faith, morality, and the role of religion in public life.