Before Elevation, Dolan Will Address Cardinals; Bloomberg Won't Be In Rome
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan will get his red hat and be elevated to Cardinal at the Vatican on Saturday, but a day earlier has a performance before an elite audience.
WCBS 880's Rich Lamb With Dolan
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"Right now, Rich what's going through my mind is how much work I have to do," he told WCBS 880's Rich Lamb.
While he is very excited about his elevation, he has a daunting final assignment on Friday.
"In front the College of Cardinals and the Holy Father himself, I am one of those to give an address. So that's a little intimidating and that's going to take a lot of work," said Dolan.
By the way, the remarks are on the subject of the new evangelization and they are to be delivered in Italian.
In addition, the Cardinal-Designate will have to answer questions from the Pope - also in Italian.
"But I am eager. I'm anxious to see good friends who are coming from St. Louis, Milwaukee, close to 700 people that are joining me here from the Archdiocese of New York," said Dolan.
Dolan says Rome will be a religious experience and a good time.
But will the red hat change his message to the faithful?
"No. I wouldn't think anything would change of substance. No. I'll be the same old Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, and somebody said, 'Well, perhaps you might have more weight.' I said, well, that's the last thing I need," said Dolan.
WCBS 880's Rich Lamb: Mayor Bloomberg Won't Be There
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Mayor Michael Bloomberg has decided not to travel to Rome for Dolan's elevation.
He says it would take the Archbishop out of his way to make time for the mayor.
But Bloomberg added, "I think this is another feather in our cap, or another yarmulke, red yarmulke on your head, however you want to phrase it. The Archbishop's a great guy and people obviously like him. And I think this is good."
His Honor says the Cardinal-Designate is planning an event for February 25 at St. Patrick's Cathedral and he does plan to attend that.
WCBS 880 reporter Rich Lamb will be in Rome for Dolan's elevation and his reporting from there will being sometime Thursday. Stay tuned.
