For more than a decade and a half, His Eminence Cardinal Timothy Dolan has been a steady and familiar presence in the life of New York — one defined by warmth, conviction, and an unmistakable love for the people he served.
Since his appointment as Archbishop of New York in 2009, Cardinal Dolan has led one of the nation’s largest and most diverse Catholic dioceses through moments of challenge, celebration, and profound change. Throughout his tenure, he embodied a pastoral leadership style rooted in joy, accessibility, and a deep belief in the dignity of every person.
Cardinal Dolan’s leadership extended far beyond the walls of churches and cathedrals. He met New Yorkers where they were — on city streets, at community gatherings, in moments of grief and hope alike. Whether speaking from the pulpit, engaging with civic leaders, or greeting parishioners with a ready smile, he consistently reminded the city that faith is not only professed, but lived.
“Cardinal Dolan has always led with an open heart and a deep sense of responsibility to the people of New York. His leadership reminded us that faith comes alive when it is paired with compassion, presence, and action,” said J. Antonio Fernández, CEO of Catholic Charities of New York.
The Archdiocese of New York will welcome Most Reverend Roland A. Hicks as its new Archbishop on Thursday, February 5, 2026, during the Solemn Vespers and with the Taking Canonical Possession, marking a new chapter in the life of the Church and for New York.
A Public Faith, a Personal Touch
What distinguished Cardinal Dolan for so many was his ability to connect. He brought an unmistakable humanity to his role. He made people feel seen, heard, and valued. His humor and openness disarmed even the most formal settings, while his clarity of purpose anchored his message.
Through national leadership roles and countless local engagements, Cardinal Dolan elevated New York’s voice while keeping its people at the heart of his work.
“Cardinal Dolan took great joy in visiting the work of Catholic Charities from Staten Island in the southern part of the Archdiocese of New York to the northern parts of Dutchess and Sullivan Counties. He easily engaged with staff, volunteers, and the people served by Catholic Charities. All were uplifted by his visits,” said Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, Executive Director Emeritus of Catholic Charities of New York, who worked with Cardinal Dolan for more than 15 years following his installation as Archbishop in 2009.
Faith Lived Through Service
At Catholic Charities of New York, Cardinal Dolan was not only a spiritual leader, but a committed partner in service.
He stood alongside staff, volunteers, and supporters at events throughout the year — celebrating milestones, blessing food for families in need, and helping raise critical resources to support programs across the Archdiocese. From signature gatherings like the Cardinal’s Christmas Luncheon and the Cardinal’s Open, to his steady leadership of the Cardinal’s Committee for Charity, Cardinal Dolan’s presence consistently underscored the shared mission at the heart of Catholic Charities’ work.
“Cardinal Dolan often speaks about Catholic Charities as faith in action, and what that looks like in practice is people doing the work with care, accountability, and deep respect. He believes in our caseworkers, program staff, and volunteers — the people on the ground who serve with professionalism and compassion, every single day,” shared Lisa Flores, CEO of Catholic Charities Community Services.
Cardinal Dolan understood that service is an expression of faith in action. He consistently affirmed the importance of caring for the poor, welcoming the stranger, and upholding the dignity of those too often overlooked.
“For Catholic Charities, Cardinal Dolan was more than a leader — he was a partner. He showed up, he listened, and he continually affirmed the importance of serving our neighbors with dignity and respect,” said Mr. Fernández.
A Leader Rooted in Joy and Conviction
Even amid the weight of responsibility, Cardinal Dolan led with joy. His optimism was not naïve, but grounded in trust — trust in God, trust in people, and trust in the power of community to rise to the occasion.
He challenged New Yorkers to live generously, to remain engaged, and to recognize their shared responsibility to one another. His words carried conviction, but also invitation: an open call to participate in building a more just and caring city.
“Cardinal Dolan’s frequent praise for Catholic Charities often focused on the personal way those helped were treated. Many times, he would comment that those assisted were not ‘cases’ — but were known and called by name, reflecting a deep belief that each was made in God’s image,” said Monsignor Sullivan.
With Gratitude, Looking Ahead
As Cardinal Dolan concludes his service as Archbishop of New York, we do so with deep gratitude for his years of leadership and pastoral care. His influence will continue to be felt in parishes and in our communities.
“Cardinal Dolan consistently lifts up the quiet, faithful work of Catholic Charities — the work that happens every day, in every neighborhood. It’s where staff and volunteers know people by name, walk with them through uncertainty, and help families find stability and hope. That’s compassion in action, lived out daily,” said Ms. Flores.
At Catholic Charities, we remain inspired by his example. We will continue to serve our neighbors with the same compassion, resolve, and sense of mission that he so visibly embodied.
New York is better for having been shepherded by His Eminence Cardinal Timothy Dolan. And as we look ahead, we carry forward the values he so consistently championed — faith lived through service, and love expressed through action.
“Cardinal Dolan believes deeply that Catholic Charities is faith made visible. He consistently reminded us that our mission is not only to help, but to walk with people — especially in their hardest moments” said Mr. Fernández.
