Cardinal Dolan’s legacy at retirement: ‘The ultimate happy warrior of the Catholic Church’
Timothy Cardinal Dolan has always been a figure who stepped into political debates with conviction, yet he was equally known for offering a sincere word of encouragement and an attentive ear—so much so that he kept a personal list of people whose prayers he held.
Now that he’s stepping down at age 75, the archbishop of New York is remembered for a blend of heartfelt compassion and a determined defense of Catholic doctrine, with peers and friends saying he encouraged other clergy to get involved in public life to protect those teachings.
Dennis Poust, the executive director of the New York State Catholic Conference, told The Post over the weekend, “He’s the ultimate happy warrior of the Catholic Church.” He added that “What you see is what you get with Cardinal Dolan.”
The St. Louis native, who served the archdiocese for 16 years and shepherded roughly 2.5 million Catholics across Manhattan, The Bronx, and Staten Island, was never one to shy away from the spotlight.
Former Westchester County executive Rob Astorino, who has long worked with Dolan, praised him as “the greatest communicator the church has seen in a very long time.”
Astorino, who co‑hosted “The Catholic Channel” on Sirius XM with the cardinal and had his daughter baptized by him, highlighted that there was “no airs about him.” Astorino recalled that Dolan’s genuine concern for the church and its faithful shone in every interaction, making people feel at ease around him.
Poust noted that Dolan consistently carried a “list of people he was praying for at all time.” He described the cardinal as “a joyful Midwestern guy who embraced New York.”
State Senator Jessica Scarcella‑Spanton, a Catholic representing South Brooklyn and Staten Island, reflected on how Dolan’s calm demeanor eased the community during crises.
She recalled that he was a source of comfort for Staten Islanders after Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and that his presence, “warmth, reassurance, & visibility” remains a lasting memory.
When Pope Benedict XVI named Dolan as archbishop in 2009—replacing the 77‑year‑old Edward Cardinal Egan—he became the first cardinal the archdiocese’s outgoing and incoming leaders had met in person.
Dolan’s early speeches playfully urged the faithful to join him on a “road of fidelity,” referencing landmarks like the Staten Island Expressway, Fifth Avenue, Madison Avenue, Broadway, the Major Deegan, and the New York State Thruway.
Three years later, Benedict promoted Dolan to cardinal, granting him the privilege to vote in papal conclaves that elected Pope Francis and Pope Leo, and he was even mentioned as a dark‑horse contender for the top seat when Pope Francis passed away.
Italian media reported that Dolan acted as a “kingmaker” in Pope Leo’s selection, with the pontiff praising the New York cardinal’s influence.
In New York, Dolan remained a visible figure—hosting the annual “blessing of the animals” at Radio City Music Hall, speaking up for immigrant rights amid increased ICE raids, and standing steadfast in his defense of center‑right Catholic values.
He battled the Obama administration over plans to provide contraception subsidies to religious groups and guided the archdiocese through a painful era of child‑sex‑abuse revelations.
Astorino remarked that Dolan’s charismatic leadership helped restore the church’s reputation during this dark chapter, noting that unlike other dioceses, the New York Archdiocese avoided bankruptcy.
During a recent address, Dolan expressed deep empathy for victims and urged the church to continue pursuing a $300 million settlement to support those harmed, saying, “I once again ask forgiveness for the failing of those who betrayed the trust placed in them by failing to provide for the safety of our young people.”
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