Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York emerged as a pivotal figure in the recent papal conclave, reportedly acting as a 'kingmaker' for Cardinal Robert Prevost, leading to Prevost's election as the first American pope, Leo XIV. Dolan rallied support from English-speaking cardinals, particularly those from countries within the former British Empire. Despite his influential role, Dolan expressed surprise at Prevost's election and reflected on the cardinals' preparatory discussions prior to the conclave, noting that their interactions fostered clear candidate preferences.
I'm still trying to figure it out," Dolan said with a laugh. The cardinals spent two weeks before the conclave "getting to know one another" and speaking about the challenges facing the next successor of Saint Peter.
Dolan’s gregarious campaign for Prevost sank the chances of Cardinal Pietro Parolin from Italy, the Italian outlets somewhat bitterly reported.
Dolan said he really didn't know Prevost before coming to Rome ahead of the conclave but that his reputation as a sensitive listener and administrator preceded him.
We never really considered him as a cardinal from the United States because he spent most of his life as a very effective missionary in Peru.
Collection
[
|
...
]