Cardinal Dolan is heading back to New York following the festivities in Rome, and the election of Pope Francis. The head of the New York Catholic Church is also sending a message to lawmaker’s not to forget the poor. Though New York’s Prince of the church did not get the top job at the Vatican, he is over the moon about who the Conclave picked as Pontiff. Now it’s back to the business of New York, and Dolan aware that his obligations to the Holy See kept him away from meetings in the State Capital is all set to get back to work.
The Cardinal was meant to be with lawmakers in Albany yesterday but could not because of his duties in Rome. He did however send them a strong message reminding them of their obligations to help the people of New York. .
“you will passionately advocate for more state funding for affordable housing and for health care for the poor and vulnerable, because these are basic human rights that preserve human dignity. And you will speak out as well for the dignity of those in our state’s prison system, because our Lord taught us very clearly that whatever we do for any of the least of our brothers and sisters, we truly do for Him.” The Cardinal said.
The Vatican meanwhile is getting back to normal after all the recent celebrations but with one major change. In keeping with his humility Pope Francis is not wearing the usual Gold Papal ring but instead a silver-plated gold ring with the image of St. Paul holding two keys.
It has been quite a week in Rome with the Pope keeping his security detail on their toes but the image Romans are talking about is the Pope on the bus.Maybe the MTA should start preparing for the Pontiff’s New York visit. A man of style and personality. Viva il Papa!
