Archbishop Dolan: New face of the church?

(CBS News) 

The past decade has been devastating for the Roman Catholic Church - seemingly endless cases of sex abuse by priests, and bishops who turned a blind eye to it. And there were multi-billion dollar payouts to victims, all of which led to a steady loss of the faithful.

One man the American church hopes can change all that is Timothy Dolan, for two years now the archbishop of New York, the nation's most prominent pulpit. He has also been called the "American pope," after his election to head the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

His mission - as he sees it - is to change a perception of the church that ranges from negative to irrelevant. He wants to see the old church made new: zero tolerance of wayward priests and an emphasis on what he calls the most pure and noble experience Catholicism offers.

What does "America's Pope" think?
Gay marriage? Female priests? Archbishop Timothy Dolan, the most important American Catholic today, explains the church's reasoning.

To accomplish his mission, his main weapon is that indefinable quality called charm.

Dolan is hard to miss: this burly, overweight, cherubic Irish-American charges through life like a holy bulldozer, his brow gleaming, hands reaching.

It's a laugh a minute, hugging, glad-handing and backslapping everyone from street cops to big-time donors.

He's a tireless promoter of all things Catholic, and always ready to refuel.

"Did you always have, dare I say, the gift of the gab?" correspondent Morley Safer asked.

"Yes, according to my mom, yes. You couldn't shut me up. You know, the Italians have a great saying that 'Hey, you have to make gnocchi with the dough you got.' Well, God knows I got the dough. Whatever dough God gave me, that's the gnocchi I'll make," the archbishop replied.

Gnocchi, for the uninitiated, is a high carb pasta the good pastor is more than familiar with, as is evident when the 61-year-old Dolan dons his robes to say Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

He takes obvious joy in the pageantry, pounding his bishop's staff as he bulldozes his way into church, beaming broadly at parishioners and politicians alike.

He's a man in love with his job.

"When did you know you wanted to be a priest?" Safer asked.

"I can't really remember a time I wasn't hypnotized by the priesthood," Dolan replied.

Asked if he ever had any doubts along the way, Dolan said, "There would be three times I could remember when I felt a particular friendship with, and attraction to, three particular girls that I think back upon fondly, that I thought, 'I wonder if a life of celibacy is mine.' And with the help of other people and with prayer, I said, 'Yeah, I think so.'"

Extra: A large flock
Extra: The sex abuse scandal
Extra: Anti-Catholic sentiment?

He was born in St. Louis, the son of an aircraft engineer. Dolan entered seminary at age 14 and destined for stardom: secretary to the papal nuncio, rector of the American seminary in Rome, and archbishop of Milwaukee, where he won over the flock when he gave a homily wearing a Green Bay Packers' Cheesehead.

Baseball, however, is a bit trickier. "They asked me when I got here, they said, 'Are you Cardinals, Mets, Brewers or Yankees?' And I said, 'When it comes to baseball I think I can be pro-choice,'" Dolan joked.

Produced by Deirdre Naphin

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[JesusisLord77]

Ricoforkids and Joe--- I am so sorry for the pain those wicked men pretending to represent God have caused you. I say this because I happen to know personally the real God of the Universe and He revealed Himself to me through His son Jesus, not some corrupt priest. I would strongly encourage you to find your healing in Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus loves children with a pure and protective fervency. Jesus desires to heal you both from what those corrupt and wicked men did to you guys. Read for yourselves the book of John to find out who the real Jesus is. I am born again/a brand new person in Christ and He has healed me in the past 11 years I've known Him of many soul wounds. He helped me break a terrible addiction that had me bound for 18 years, and helped me forgive some people that hurt me...and ask for forgiveness from those I've hurt. Seek the Real Jesus of the Bible and you won't be disappointed. God Bless both of you with life and healing! Religion kills, but Jesus saves and heals.

[I TELL THE TRUTH]

JesusisLord77

You want to be amazed, I'll tell you how. Forget about Jesus Christ or the Bible in this interview. The interview was about cover up and Dolan is an excellent deliverer of all the propaganda the church spews. His constant talking and quick responses are designed to take the interviewer out of his element and he sure worked it to perfection. Although you will have to admit, Morley is a light weight when it comes to doing a hard hitting interviews. Why didn't he ask him: do you know what the victims want? Have you apologized to any of the victims personally? Why haven't you named the priests that have been convicted in any press releases? He would not answer any of these questions but If you think Dolan doesn't have power, just ask Gov. Cuomo. When Cuomo tried to take on the church after they chastised him in the press over personal matters Cuomo folded his tent so fast it would make your head spin. From Gov. Cuomo: OH...WE CAN'T WAIT TO MEET WITH THE ARCHBISHOP. As usual, just disgusting.

[JesusisLord77]

It's the same old issue. The same Catholic Church that persecuted real Christians that loved Jesus and the Bible through the inquisition and during the Dark Ages. It's a false system pretending to be the real thing...BUT...Jesus said that "By their fruit you shall know them..." You can apply that principle to a religious system, false church, individual, gov't etc. It's a widely applicable priniciple and an extremely wise one, yet simple. Look at the fruit of the Roman Catholic system precious people and come out from among that religious system before it's too late and accept Jesus into your heart. Only Jesus can forgive you of your sins not a confessional to a sinful man. Only Jesus can deliver you from all your soul's wounds and heal you, not this or any other religious system. It's about a relationship with Jesus, the Lord, not Religion. Be blessed Roman Catholics in Christ and all others. The devil uses religion and religious people to destroy lives all over the world, but JESUS alone seeks the lost to save them and liberate them from the oppression of sin and religion.

[JesusisLord77]

You know what amazed me most about this whole interview?? Not once did this alcohol drinking bishop mention Jesus Christ. It was all about "The Church" this "The Church" that. There would be no church of any kind if it had not been for Jesus Christ. It is obvious the Catholic doctrines/dogma is not pure and biblical. Worship of Mary? Praying to Saints? Where in the Bible does God condone idolatry? NOWHERE!!!I feel for the sincere Catholic people that are given false security they'll make it if they pledge their allegiance to "THE CHURCH". There is only one saviour and His name is Jesus CHrist. Precious Catholics, listen: Pledge your allegiance to Jesus Christ and you shall be saved. Call on Him and repent of your sins. Ask Him to forgive you of all your sins and He will do just that, plus come and live in your heart forever. Religion Kills, but Jesus saves! I hope this reaches at least one precious Catholic soul to save them from the deception of the devil through human doctrines and traditions.

[ricoforkids]

They kiss dead peoples bones too.. Create saints and all..

[jrcitizen77]

Catholics do not worship Mary.
"Religion" doesn't kill, it's mindless rituals that kill.
The Church is a place for the family of God in which we are all accountable to each other. The whole point of the Catholic Church is Jesus Christ: He is our head, our goal, our Lord and our salvation. If you actually believe what Paul taught, then pay attention to 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 "...stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle."
If the Catholic Church did not protect the doctrines of the Christian faith, there would be so many more cults that say they are "Christian." Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, and a plethora of smaller cults would not exist if the Reformation didn't happen.
A wonderful attribute of the Catholic tradition is that we can hold on to what has been taught for 2000 years and be assured that our faith is what the early Christians believed. The non-Catholic Christians I teach with have to reinvent/interpret their Christian faith every time they read the Bible, rather than just going back to what the Church fathers and Apostles taught. In the end, one must conform their worldview to what the Bible says rather than changing the Bible to fit their worldview.
I converted to Catholicism 5 years ago after growing up very anti-Catholic. I was like Saul: I persecuted Catholics at every opportunity. It was Christ who opened my eyes and revealed my prejudices. I pray that God will open your eyes. Please start by educating yourself. There are so many more issues to contend with.

[Joe80752]

Why don't the victims matter to the still braindead Catholics that are still supporting the Catholic hierarchy. From what I could see, all Dolan was concerned about was rebuilding the tarnished image of the church. He never said a word about the people who suffered in silence for years because we believed we must not say anything bad about a priest---even if it's true. Yes, it makes you angry to think people minimize the horrors of sodomy when your a small naive little Catholic. That abuse is someting that has gone on for centuries. I don't believe there is a Bishop in the world who has not knowingly transfered a predator priest to new hunting grounds. How can anyone with half a brain defend these amoral parasites who can talk morality to us and murder so many souls?

[ricoforkids]

No doubt. No one from this hierarchy ever asked once what the victims and families wanted. Yep, families of those who comitted suicide and those mentally ill, all the direct result of the abuses.
They only want the truth. That's all. The truth heard in courts.
Is honesty beyond this organization?
It's been all about themselve.

[styleset2001]

Sometimes I hate this new technology. So much of what people share is just full of anger and contempt and ignorance. Surely Catholics, like myself are angry and dismayed at the scandal. And there is no way around "dissillusionment" with the leadership. But I am a Catholic Christian because of Jesus Christ and the grace of God, not because of this or that pope or this or that priest.

Morley Safer tells his colleague at the end of the extra section that he likes doing stories about the Catholic Church because the men he talks to (presumably clerics) are interesting men who are nice to be with. That is the best thing anyone could have said. Too bad it wasn't on TV. I think Mr. Safer is right to be a bit suspicious in Archbishop Dolan's confidence and apparent unwavering commitment to no doctrinal change. Because Dolan is a talented communicator, he sometimes moves to quickly over complex issues. For example, his logic on women's ordination could easily be challenged without simply giving in to Safer's too-broadly painted statement of catching up with the twenty-first century. It threw Dolan a softball. Things are not that simple from either end of the spectrum. Of course the Church has changed and of course that same Church has not the right to follow the lead of secular culture and politics. The Church belongs to God in Christ, not the pope or the people.

I just don't know if the secular media and role of the bishop make for fruitful dialogue partners on these issues. Each has too many commitments that get in the way of the conversation. In the end, none of the hotbed issues could be discussed in a truly fruitful way on traditional television. I would love to see a new model developed that really required of its viewers and "experts" engagement at a deeper intellectual and historical with these issues. It would certainly slow down the quick condemnation from both conservatives and liberals about the the tradition of the Catholic Church.

I wonder if 60 Minutes/CBS staff people will actually read this comment. Email me if you want some more details about my proposal. We need this conversation, all of us; not just Catholics.

[ricoforkids]

As a child victim raped, I could care less of the catholics. Your donations give them a means to lobby against victims, who most have nothing but illness. You help destroy.

[Joe80752]

Styleset, The Catholic hierarchy preaches morality and harbors criminal priests. I will remind you that the fat slob Dolan never said one word about what could/should be done for the people raped by the Catholic clergy. His only goal was to improve the tarnished image of the church. Yes, being raped repeatedly by one you equated with Jesus kinda makes you angry when you finally realize how horribly you've been duped when you was taught to revere and respect priests no matter what. If you can't imagine the horror of being forced into oral sex with a priest repeatedly when your 10 yrs old, then shut the hell up.

[benedictine83]

I was very pleased with the interview and found it be fair. His Grace the Archbishop has his work cut out for him, and for that matter the Catholic Church has much to do to restore itself in the eyes of many. But despite what the Church's enemies say, the Church is dealing with its crisis (including a priest I know of who was "defrocked" by the pope in 2005)and Pope Benedict's reforms he implemented in 2001 before his pontificate are working. Perfectly? Not always (for the reporting of crimes is the reponsibility of the local diocesan authority, not the Vatican like so many think, and this is where it failed miserably), but they are under improvement. As it deals with this crisis (not just with the sex abuse crisis but also with the liberals who seek to destroy from within), the Catholic Church still needs to (and does quite successfully, despite many obstacles) proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a hurting and lost world. God bless Archbishop Dolan for upholding and leading God's Church in New York through this painful time.

[ricoforkids]

Deflecting from the worst crimes, the cover up - no doubt he has to use his best lies and deception. He's shown us already how disgusting he is. That is why I treat his religion as porn and keep it away from children.
That's right, he is laughing while the victims suffer. He manipulates while families cry for their children who are mentally ill and have comitted suicide as a result of the abuses. Yes, his cover ups are a big task. Then againm, he's the character best cut out for it.

[ricoforkids]

To the rest of the folks here. The current pope, when cardinal in the US, wrote a letter demanding the victim be kept quiet until 10 years past adulthood. Why? So that statutes of limitation would protect the church. All the bishops, including this now cardinal, followed the rules. They destroyed the victims knowing they were already damaged and traumatized. And the pope also stated to adhere to the vatican document which stated to keep the secret and use threats when needed.
Now you all know the truth. This cardinal was part of the enforcement.
Please call your elected officials and demand these people be held accountable for the worst and most selfish crimes.

[snapbowie]

" He lives in a small mansion" ... just like Jesus

also

"For the first time in Catholic history, we have a large group of Catholics who are saying, 'I'm no longer in the church.' That's a big problem. We got a big problem that our people think our preaching is no good. While others have thought that we continue unfortunately to cling to outmoded doctrines and beliefs," Dolan said."

People aren't leaving the Church because of bad preaching, they are leaving because of the hypocrisy as revealed by the sexual abuse scandals. Not thge abuse but the cover up and secrecy.

One more thing:
"I would bristle at being termed right wing. But if somebody means enthusiastically committed and grateful for the timeless heritage of the church, and feeling that my best service is when I try to preserve that and pass that on in its fullness and beauty and radiance, I'm a conservative, no doubt," Dolan said.

Tim Dolan is either lying or stupid. He should know darn well that the Church teaching on celibacy has been in existence for less than half the life of the Church, the doctrine of infallibility is less than 200 years old. If the Church were changeless, then how did we get THESE changes?

[Joe80752]

This quote by Judith Herman really sums up my feelings: "It is very tempting to take the side of the perpetrator. All the perpetrator asks is that the bystander do nothing. He appeals to the universal desire to see, to hear, and to speak no evil. The victim, on the contrary, asks the bystander to share the burden of pain. The victim demands action, engagement, and remembering."

[ganondagon]

I am a woman, 71 yrs. of age, am not and never have been of the
Catholic faith. I watched this profile of T. Dolan and my first reaction was "what BS"; this man is w/o a doubt campaigning to be
the Pope !! How sad for young Catholics as he is reliving the days
of multiple children, obey thy husband, continue with ***** priests,
i.e. the reasons young and middle aged people are leaving the church.
I was so disgusted and, after reading the other comments, feel so
much sympathy for those Catholics who are on guilt trips because they
cannot support their faith.
As the followers of the church are dying off, I pray that some how
Timothy Dolan is booted out and replaced with a progressive and sincere
person.

[I TELL THE TRUTH]

by I TELL THE TRUTH March 22, 2011 8:29 AM EDT
NJDevlls11...You are the one who is ignorant. Only the church has an organized hierarchy that protects pedophile priests. There is no chain of command in the school system that protects pedophile school employees. Dolan is nothing more than a propaganda machine for the Catholic Church. The rest of your comment is just dribble