Vatican City, Italy — For over a decade, Cardinal Timothy Dolan don dey shine as one of the key figures for the Catholic Church in America. As the Archbishop of New York and past president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Dolan get plenty influence, but his recent actions don raise eyebrows.
From when him interview for CNN after Pope Francis’s election in March 2013, Dolan don show him belief say Francis na the right leader for Church during dat time. Him remark after arrive from the Sistine Chapel, he talk say he know sey Francis go fit lead the church well. Dis confidence dey point to Dolan’s political knack as well as him good understanding of the Catholic structure.
At 75 years old, Dolan still carry him large presence with deep voice wey people no fit ignore. Him still dey occupy space as natural leader among American bishops. He don also manage the North American College, where dem dey train top seminarians. In one famous appearance, wey come show him bridge-building skills, Dolan attend the 2018 Met Gala where e talk with celebrities like Richard Gere and Jimmy Fallon, despite every wahala wey follow him presence for the high-profile charity event.
However, for the past few years, the way wey Dolan dey navigate church politics don put am under spotlight. Him strong criticism of Democrats and warm approache toward Republicans, especially Donald Trump, who he pray for during inauguration, don lead some people to say sey e dey lose hold among other cardinals. While he dey fit dance with some conservative cardinals from Europe and Africa, e seem say North American cardinals wey dey more aligned with Pope Francis ideas no go follow him lead.
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