Timothy Michael Dolan
Stored: Timothy Michael Dolan
| His Eminence Timothy Michael Dolan | |
| Bishop of Archdiocese of New York | |
| Home diocese: | Archdiocese of New York |
| Other diocese 1: | Archdiocese of Milwaukee |
| Other diocese 2: | Diocese of Saint Louis |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 19 June 1976 by Archbishop Edward Terence O’Meara |
| Consecration: | 15 August 2001 by Archbishop Justin Francis Rigali |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 18 February 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Timothy Michael Dolan 6 February 1950 St. Louis, Missouri, United States |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | United States |
| Education: | Pontifical North American College |
| Motto: | "Ad Quem Ibimus" |
| Role: | Archbishop |
| Theology: | Conservative |
| Region: | North America |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
Cardinal Timothy Michael Dolan, born February 6, 1950, is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, serving as Archbishop of New York since 2009 and elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012. Ordained a priest in 1976 for the Archdiocese of Saint Louis and consecrated a bishop in 2001, he served as auxiliary bishop of Saint Louis (2001–2002), Archbishop of Milwaukee (2002–2009), and president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (2010–2013). His conservative theology, reflected in his motto "Ad Quem Ibimus" ("To Whom Shall We Go"), emphasizes traditional doctrine, opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage, and evangelization, earning him prominence among U.S. Catholics but criticism for his handling of abuse cases.[1][2] Dolan participated in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis and, at age 75, is eligible for the 2025 conclave following Francis’ death on April 21, 2025, as one of eight U.S. electors among 135 cardinals, with the conclave set to begin May 7, 2025, in the Sistine Chapel.[3][4][5]
Dolan’s charismatic media presence and conservative advocacy, including his 2024 praise for Donald Trump’s resilience and criticism of Democratic abortion policies, have made him a favorite among traditionalists, with some X posts suggesting him as a papal candidate.[6][7] However, his handling of abuse allegations in Milwaukee and New York, including a 2018 lawsuit alleging cover-up, and geopolitical concerns about an American pope limit his candidacy in a conclave dominated by Francis’ progressive appointees (108 of 135 electors), with frontrunners like Pietro Parolin and Luis Antonio Tagle favored.[8][9] His academic background from the Pontifical North American College informs his pastoral approach. As an active cardinal, Dolan’s influence in the 2025 conclave lies in his vote and conservative advocacy, though his nationality and controversies reduce his papal prospects.[3][5]
Biography
Birth and early life
Timothy Michael Dolan was born on February 6, 1950, in St. Louis, Missouri, United States, to a Catholic family of Irish descent. Raised during America’s post-war prosperity, his vocation was inspired by the Church’s role in community life, leading him to enter the Kenrick-Glennon Seminary at age 18. His family’s faith and the U.S. Church’s vibrancy shaped his commitment to evangelization.
The Second Vatican Council’s (1962–1965) call for engagement influenced Dolan’s conservative yet pastoral outlook. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian, his intellectual aptitude foreshadowed his leadership career.[10][1]
Education
Dolan studied philosophy and theology at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, earning a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. He pursued advanced studies at the Pontifical North American College in Rome (1972–1976), obtaining a licentiate in sacred theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, and later earned a doctorate in American Church history from The Catholic University of America.
His education emphasized Vatican II’s pastoral call and U.S. Catholic history, equipping him for leadership. Dolan’s academic rigor prepared him for episcopal roles.[1][11]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest on June 19, 1976, by Archbishop Edward Terence O’Meara for the Archdiocese of Saint Louis, Dolan served as a parish priest and vice-rector of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary (1976–1987). He was rector of the Pontifical North American College in Rome (1994–2001), shaping future U.S. clergy.
His priesthood focused on catechesis and evangelization, navigating U.S. secularization. Dolan’s charisma and academic expertise earned him episcopal appointment.[10][1]
Bishop
Consecrated auxiliary bishop of Saint Louis on August 15, 2001, by Archbishop Justin Francis Rigali, Dolan served as Archbishop of Milwaukee (2002–2009) and Archbishop of New York (2009–present). Elevated to cardinal in 2012 with the title Cardinal-Priest of Nostra Signora di Guadalupe a Monte Mario, he participated in the 2013 conclave.
Dolan’s conservative advocacy, including opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage, has drawn traditionalist support, but his handling of abuse cases in Milwaukee and New York, including a 2018 lawsuit, sparked criticism.[8][2] Eligible for the 2025 conclave at age 75, he is one of eight U.S. electors, but his candidacy is limited by nationality and controversies.[3][5][12]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archdiocese of Saint Louis | Auxiliary Bishop | 15 August 2001 | 25 June 2002 | Supported catechesis |
| Archdiocese of Milwaukee | Archbishop | 25 June 2002 | 23 February 2009 | Focused on evangelization |
| Archdiocese of New York | Archbishop | 23 February 2009 | Present | Promoted conservative causes |
Significant events
- Entered Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in 1968.
- Ordained priest for the Archdiocese of Saint Louis in 1976.
- Appointed rector of Pontifical North American College in 1994.
- Consecrated auxiliary bishop of Saint Louis in 2001.
- Appointed Archbishop of Milwaukee in 2002.
- Appointed Archbishop of New York in 2009.
- Elected president of USCCB in 2010.
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012.
- Participated in the 2013 conclave.
- Faced abuse cover-up lawsuit in 2018.
- Praised Donald Trump’s resilience in 2024.
- Confirmed eligible for the 2025 conclave.
Books
Written about the bishop
- No known books specifically about Cardinal Dolan.
Written by the bishop
- Priests for the Third Millennium by Timothy M. Dolan, ISBN 978-1592766918
- Doers of the Word by Timothy M. Dolan, ISBN 978-0824522469
External links
- Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan at Catholic-Hierarchy.org
- Biography of Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan at Vatican Press Office
- Vatican News article on Dolan’s appointment
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Biography of Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan". Vatican Press Office. 2025-04-24. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinal_dolan.html.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Cardinal Dolan on abortion". Cardinal_Dolan. 2024-04-23. https://t.co/6p1k4L2XAf.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "18 African among Cardinals to elect new Pope". Nigerian Observer. 2025-04-24. https://nigerianobservernews.com/2025/04/18-african-among-cardinals-to-elect-new-pope/.
- ↑ "Conclave to elect new pope to start on 7 May, Vatican says". The Guardian. 2025-04-28. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/28/conclave-elect-new-pope-7-may-vatican.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Cardinal Dolan eligible for conclave". archny. 2025-04-22. https://t.co/8v2XwL8qIN.
- ↑ "Cardinal Dolan on Trump". Cardinal_Dolan. 2024-07-15. https://t.co/3i5wJkhxBx.
- ↑ "Cardinal Dolan as papabile". CatholicVote. 2025-04-21. https://t.co/Vf2xjeq0vH.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Cardinal Dolan abuse lawsuit". NYCLU. 2018-07-02. https://t.co/3eO3jmtmW8.
- ↑ "Lobbying for next pope heats up, with outcome less predictable than ever". The Guardian. 2025-04-27. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/27/lobbying-next-pope-heats-up-outcome-less-predictable.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2025-04-24. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bdolan.html.
- ↑ "Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan". Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/55632/cardinal-timothy-dolan.
- ↑ "Cardinal Dolan appointed Archbishop of New York". Vatican News. 2009-02-23. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2009-02/dolan-new-york.html.