Sunday morning: Cardinal virtue - or not?
Cardinal Timothy Dolan – Archbishop of New York - has been the media darling for the last few years. He lives on Madison Avenue in a residence adjacent to St. Patrick’s Cathedral - not unusual for a priest to live next door to work. Still, as a shepherd of the people, he is seldom in the field.
When Catholicism – with its scandals or triumphs – hits the news, reporters seek out Dolan. His wit, quick remarks and conservative world view make headlines. So when the men in red beanies gathered at the Vatican last year to elect a new pope, Dolan appeared with feigned modesty before the cameras. “Oh, me, pope?” he giggled.
With Pope Francis, the spotlight shifts from pageantry and pomp to service and humility. Francis looks to Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston as his closest American advisor. O’Malley lives a life of service, his theological views espouse inclusivity.
Our world feels crazier each day: premeditated murders, children killing parents, a planet polluted with our own misdeeds. Pope Francis leads with humility so powerful the world listens. Catholics need front-line leaders who care for others, not leaders who flit about like clerical royals. Cardinal Dolan’s era may be over.
(S-R archive photo: Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, talks during an interview with the Associated Press at the Pontifical North American College, in Rome, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013. )