There's an interview with American Cardinal Dolan where he said that most people, although having a positive view on Prevost/Leo prior to meeting him as someone who works at the Vatican, weren't that well-acquainted with him and he felt like he did come from nowhere where even the American cardinals didn't knew he was American. He also believed that there were some cardinals that didn't knew he was American either.
One thing he says is that one of the things that could've been his advantage is that he wasn't popular (probably to outsiders of the college) and therefore most people didn't really see him as a cardinal that was attached to what he says are "trends" which is interesting. He also pointed out that what he found interesting is that a headline in an Italian newspaper described Leo as a "calm pope" or a "peaceful pope" which made him believe that perhaps him being calm was what also moved the other cardinal electors to vote for him, though he has kept his secret on whether or not he did which makes sense.
Cardinal Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York, who gave the opening inauguration blessing a week ago, responds back to JD Vance’s attack on the Church in the video above. On a radio show he also said this.
I was really disappointed with what he said on ‘Face the Nation’ the other day. And I don’t mind telling you, somewhat hurt. This was not only harmful, this was inaccurate. You heard what he said: ‘Oh, the bishops, they’re pro-immigrant because of the bottom line, because they’re making money off this.’ That’s just scurrilous. It’s very nasty, and it’s not true,
Cardinal Timothy Dolan strongly criticized comments Vice President JD Vance made questioning the motives of U.S. bishops in their efforts to
The USCCB has also responded to JD Vance reminding him that the social ministries of the Church "remains a work of mercy and a ministry of the Church." and while some programs may take federal money to help operate these services "these funds are not sufficient to cover the entire cost of these programs." America magazine shares further insight into the Church's refugee program and the use of funds for these programs. There is no profit motive here and JD Vance knows that, even if he does not know or understand why the Church operates social ministries. That may be true of other Catholics as well so this may in fact be a teachable moment to educate our Catholic community on the nature of social ministry.
Catholic Charities is the social ministry arm of the Church. Catholic hospitals fulfill the healthcare ministries, Catholic Schools and Universities operate the educational ministries, and Catholic Charities are responsible for the social service ministries which we tend to call social ministries.
Social ministry, along with education and healthcare ministries, are Christian ministries that emerged from the example of Jesus and the apostles. In preaching the Kingdom of God they healed, taught, and provided for the needs of those they served. The two famous feeding of the multitudes depict the origins of social ministry which surface in Acts 2:44-45 and becomes institutionalized with Deacons having the responsibility to distribute to the needs of the community.
“All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need.”
As the Church develops into a defined institution they eventually employ almoners who are officers of the Church responsible for the distribution of alms (donations) and supervising charitable works. These officers were considered prominent officials and some nations had the position of “grand almoner” that oversaw charitable programs within a kingdom or region. Eventually this position evolved into the professional field we now call social work and in the church we continue to operate these through our social ministries including Catholic Charities and Catholic Relief Services.
The work that we do to serve the social needs of all people including the immigrant and refugee is a crucial part of our identity. We prophetically stand on all issues of life and dignity and this includes those who are migrants and marginalized just as much as it includes the unborn and dying. JD Vance and Catholics who question our resolve will need to reflect further on what it means to be a Catholic. The Church is ready to provide religious formation on our social values and ministries. Cardinal Dolan and Msgr. Sullivan from the Archdiocese of New York are publicly providing these right now.
I am a social minister who works at Catholic Charities and I am proud of the work we do for the Church and the community. At Catholic Charities we are able to bring to life our cherished Catholic social teachings by assisting those in need. We have a number of Catholic saints who have been pioneers in this ministry including Pierre Toussaint, Elizabeth Seton, Fr. Michael Mcgivney, Mother Cabrini, and Msgr. Bernard Quinn. In Brooklyn we Catholics have a proud history of finding creative ways of serving the poor, orphans, seniors, mentally ill, and immigrants since the 1850’s. This is our legacy and this is not about to stop simply because JD Vance and others do not understand or appreciate the mission of the Catholic Church.
Finding creative ways does mean being open to a diverse funding stream and partnering with government and community organizations to broaden our ability to assist our local communities but these for us are a means to an end. To be clear our end is the Gospel message and our social teachings.
As I said this may be a teachable moment and perhaps the reader would want to further discover the nature and history of our social ministries. If so may I recommend a book I recently wrote on this very topic: "The Field Hospital Church: Catholic Social Teaching and Ministry."
what was your perspective on the met gala? ive just never rly heard many people get too upset abt the theme, but I’m def not super educated in everything that went into it lol
Also, the Politico article that exposed Cardinal Dolan (NY) as convincing Paul Ryan to take the Speakership has got to be against canon law somewhere. Bishops should NOT be interfering in such matters.
Charlie Kirk has been praised as a “modern day St Paul” by Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York. Appearing on Fox & Friends on Friday (19 Sept
New York Cardinal Dolan says Charlie Kirk was a ‘modern day St Paul’
Charlie Kirk has been praised as a “modern day St Paul” by Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York.
Appearing on Fox & Friends on Friday (19 September), the archbishop said whilst the 31-year-old, who was killed in Utah last week, was “pretty blunt and direct”, he always spoke to opponents “with respect”.
Speaking highly of the christian political activist, the cardinal said: “He was a missionary, he's an evangelist, he's a hero. He's one I think that knew what Jesus meant when he said the truth will set you free.”
