by Tablet Staff
Since he arrived in the Archdiocese of New York in 2009, Cardinal Timothy Dolan has become a national figure. Known for his affable nature, he has been an outspoken voice on Catholic issues affecting the entire country. That shouldn’t, though, overshadow all of his milestones and accomplishments during his 16 years leading one of the nation’s largest archdioceses. Here’s a timeline of Cardinal Dolan’s tenure in the Big Apple.
Feb. 23, 2009
Archbishop Timothy Dolan of Milwaukee is appointed as the 10th archbishop of New York by Pope Benedict XVI. In his first statement to the archdiocese, he pledged “my love, my life, my heart,” adding that “I can tell you already that I love you … I am so honored, humbled, and happy to serve as your pastor.”
April 15, 2009
Installed as archbishop of the Archdiocese of New York at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
June 29, 2009
Receives the pallium (the symbol of metropolitan authority) from Pope Benedict XVI during Mass for the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Nov. 16, 2010
Elected president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, a position he holds for three years.
Nov. 17, 2011
Announces, with Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn and Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Centre, the realignment of priestly formation for the three dioceses, so that candidates for the priesthood at the graduate level will participate in a single program of priestly formation at Saint Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers.
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Feb. 18, 2012
Elevated to the rank of cardinal in the consistory. Pope Benedict XVI announced the appointment to the College of Cardinals on Jan. 6, 2012. At the time, Cardinal Dolan says becoming a cardinal is not about himself, but “about an affirmation of love from the Pope to a celebrated archdiocese and community.”
2012
Offers benediction on the closing night of the Republican National Convention in Tampa on Aug. 30, and on the closing night of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte on Sept. 6.
2012-2015
Oversees a $177 million restoration of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which includes the cathedral’s bronze doors, its ceiling, the Elizabeth Anne Seton Altar, and the spires on its exterior. It was the third, and most extensive, restoration the cathedral had undergone.
March 13, 2013
Participates in his first conclave following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. The conclave resulted in the election of Pope Francis.
Sept. 24, 2015
Greets Pope Francis at John F. Kennedy International Airport upon the Holy Father’s arrival as part of a trip to the United States. Cardinal Dolan attends vespers with Pope Francis at St. Patrick’s Cathedral that evening.
Sept. 25, 2015
Accompanies Pope Francis on a visit to the World Trade Center Memorial.
Jan. 20, 2017
Offers benediction at President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
2020
Leads the archdiocese through the COVID-19 pandemic, including adapting church and school operations, social distancing protocols, and vaccine mandates.
April 29 – May 3, 2022
Visits war-torn Ukraine in his role as chair of Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA). On the trip, Cardinal Dolan meets with the leadership of Ukrainian Catholic University, and displaced families: “I thought I would come to Ukraine and see great depression. Yes, I see sadness and pain, but I am impressed by the vitality, hope, and solidarity of Ukrainians.”
May 27, 2024
Carries the Blessed Sacrament by boat from Manhattan to the waters off Liberty Island, where he offers benediction before the Statue of Liberty to mark the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage.
Jan. 20, 2025
Delivers an invocation at President Donald Trump’s second inauguration.
May 7-8, 2025
Participates in his second conclave, following the death of Pope Francis, which results in the election of Robert Francis Prevost, who becomes Pope Leo XIV.
Sept. 21, 2025
Unveils the “What’s So Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding” mural at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which pays tribute to immigrants. The 25-foot-high painting is the largest permanent artwork ever commissioned in the cathedral’s history.
Dec. 9, 2025
Announces $300 million settlement fund to compensate approximately 1,300 survivors of clergy sex abuse. Of the archdiocese’s efforts, Cardinal Dolan explains it is seeking to ensure “the greatest possible compensation to victim-survivors.”
Dec. 18, 2025
Introduces his successor, Bishop Ronald Hicks of Joliet, Illinois, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Cardinal Dolan tells the media he gave Archbishop-designate Hicks the same advice his predecessor, Cardinal Edward Egan, had given him: “New York is a warm, welcoming city. They will love you, and you will come to love them. That worked, and I love New York. I love this archdiocese. I’ve enjoyed working with all of you.”