Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Goodbye Archbishop Dolan

UPDATE, February 23, 2009: Archbishop Dolan Succeeds Cardinal Egan
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According to WABC, New York:

Sources have told Eyewitness News that the Vatican is expected to name Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy Dolan to take over the Diocese of New York.

The Italian newspaper Il Reformista reported over the weekend that Pope Benedict XVI has decided on Dolan, 59, to replace retiring Cardinal Edward Egan.

"I think it is imminent," Italian journalist Paolo Rodari said Monday night. "I think it, yes, that Dolan will be quickly new archbishop of New York."

Several sources have also confirmed to Eyewitness News that Dolan is the Pope's choice. The Vatican has not confirmed the reports, but is known to make big announcements on Tuesday.

Milwaukee's 12 News has confirmed that while Archbishop Timothy Dolan is on vacation, he is in Milwaukee.

Dr. William Thorn of Marquette University, chairman of the journalism department and an expert on Catholicism, says, "Whoever is picked knows well in advance and they're bound not to tell anyone."

The timing of Dolan's "vacation," his being unavailable for comment, adds fuel to the speculation that Dolan will be Cardinal Edward Egan's successor.

Archbishop Dolan talked to 12 News about the possible move just before going on vacation last week. At the time, he said he could not confirm any rumors -- and that he loves living in Milwaukee.

"I'm flattered. I have to say I find myself sort of saying, 'I don't know where all of this is coming from and there's sure not much I can say.' But all I do is just keep going to work each day and trusting in the Lord."

I'll be shocked if someone else is chosen.

Dolan is gone.

That's a tremendous loss for the Milwaukee Archdiocese, especially given the challenges ahead in terms of the priest sex abuse scandal and possible bankruptcy for the Archdiocese as a result.

There's so much that's unresolved.

This isn't a good time for a transition in leadership. The future looks dark.

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Video, from WISN.

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