The Race Is On! How about Cardinal Dolan for Pope?

February 11, 2013 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

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The College of Cardinals hasn’t even met yet to select the next pope, but one prominent Catholic New Yorker is lobbying for Timothy Cardinal Dolan to get the top job.

Rep. Michael Grimm (R-C-Brooklyn-Staten Island) said that if it were up to him, Cardinal Dolan, the archbishop of New York http://www.archny.org/about-us/timothy-cardinal-dolan/, would be elevated to pope.

“If it were up to me to pick the next pope, Cardinal Dolan would have my vote!” Grimm said.

It was learned during the early morning hours of Feb. 11 that Pope Benedict XVI is resigning effective Feb. 28 due to frail health.

Cardinal Dolan will be among the cardinals who will select the next pope. The cardinals will meet in a conclave that is expected to take place in mid-March at the Vatican.

The current Pontiff believes he can no longer carry out the duties of the papacy.

Pope Benedict has left a lasting legacy to New Yorkers, according to Grimm. “It is too early to determine the full extent of Pope Benedict’s legacy; however, New Yorkers will never forget the gift he gave us with the elevation of Cardinal Dolan. Cardinal Dolan has lifted the spirits of Catholics and non-Catholics throughout New York and the world, and renewed the faith of many,” Grimm said.

Grimm said he was stunned by the news of the pope’s resignation.

“Like most Catholics throughout the world, I was surprised and saddened to hear the news of Pope Benedict’s resignation. For seven years, he served honorably as our holy pontiff, seeking to reawaken Christianity throughout the world,” Grimm said.

“One sign of a great leader is knowing when to step down. While we are shocked by this news, I commend Pope Benedict for putting the future of the Catholic Church before all else, and today I join Catholics around the world in praying for his health and well-being,” Grimm said.