Pope Francis Should Keep Cardinal Dolan in New York City

Catholics should pay close attention to what happens on February 6th. I’m not talking about a particular saint’s feast day. Nor am I thinking about an anniversary of anything major in ecclesiastical history. It’s the 75th birthday of one of the most influential figures in American Catholicism — New York City’s Archbishop and Cardinal, Timothy Dolan. And it’s a day that will show where the Church in the United States may be headed.

Here’s why. Every bishop is required to submit their resignation to the Vatican when they turn 75. Cardinal Dolan is no exception, and on his birthday, he will dutifully tell Pope Francis that he’s willing to step down. The question is whether the Holy Father will accept.

Faithful Catholics should hope he doesn’t. It would be wonderful if the Pope allowed Cardinal Dolan to continue leading what is arguably America’s most important diocese, as he’s done with other bishops. The Cardinal has much left to offer the Church — and New York City and all of America would benefit from his continued example of faith and courage.

Cardinal Dolan has served with distinction in New York City since 2009. He is well known throughout the Church for his combination of fidelity to Catholic teaching and friendliness to all. His inimitable style has made him a visible figure in the defense of the truth while also allowing him to bridge divides in the broader culture. In recognition of his leadership, he was elected president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops between 2010 and 2013, as well as Chairman of the Papal Foundation in December of 2024.

Yet not everyone loves Cardinal Dolan. As one of the leading defenders of the Church’s teaching, he has drawn the ire of those who want to push doctrine in a more malleable direction. As such, they see the opportunity to replace him as too good to pass up. They’re right about one thing: It would send a powerful message if the highly visible Archbishop of New York was pushed out in favor of someone who wants the Church to look more like modern, secular culture.

Will Pope Francis listen to those who are quietly advocating against Cardinal Dolan? It’s possible, but there’s cause for hope, too. The Holy Father has a track record of keeping excellent bishops in high-profile dioceses. Look no further than Boston, where Pope Francis allowed Cardinal Seán O’Malley to stay on as archbishop after turning 75. He only accepted the Cardinal’s resignation earlier this year, by which point he was 80 years old. Pope Francis’s wise forbearance was a gift to the Church, since Cardinal O’Malley has been a clarion voice on Catholic teaching and the protection of the innocent.

Cardinal Dolan is no different, and hopefully, he’ll be given the same opportunity as Cardinal O’Malley. The Pope has also allowed Chicago Cardinal Blasé Cupich and D.C. Cardinal Wilton Gregory to stay past their 75th birthdays. Cardinal Gregory’s replacement — San Diego Cardinal Robert McElroy — was only announced this month, more than two years after Gregory reached retirement age. It would be wonderful if New York City had the same consistency, especially given Cardinal Dolan’s long history of preaching the Gospel and practicing it, too.

Let’s pray that Pope Francis blesses New York City, and the entire Church, by giving him Cardinal Dolan a few more years of faithful witness as Archbishop. Come February 6th, or perhaps shortly thereafter, we’ll likely know whether that prayer has been granted.