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Cardinal Timothy Dolan led his final Mass as Archbishop of New York on Sunday at a packed St. Patrick's Cathedral, marking the end of his 16-year leadership of the New York Archdiocese.
The farewell service drew large crowds of well-wishers and parishioners who came to honor Cardinal Dolan's lengthy tenure. His retirement comes after reaching the age of 75 last year, which is when Catholic bishops are required to step down according to Church protocol.
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Ronald Hicks from Illinois as Dolan's successor. Bishop Hicks, who previously served in Joliet, will be officially installed as the new Archbishop of New York this Friday.
Cardinal Dolan's final Christmas Mass in December 2025 also drew significant attention. During that service, he shared a touching story about a conversation with a prison inmate who had told him, "Maybe my prayer is that this Jesus, who you say came to save us, can be reborn in my heart and soul this Christmas." Dolan remarked that the sentiment "ought to be in a Christmas card."
The transition marks a significant moment for the Catholic community in New York City, which has been under Cardinal Dolan's leadership since 2009. During his tenure, Dolan became known for his charismatic personality and leadership through challenging times for the Church.
The Archdiocese of New York is one of the largest Catholic dioceses in the United States, serving over 2.8 million Catholics across Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, and several counties north of New York City.
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