Cardinal Timothy Dolan: Who is Timothy Dolan? What opportunities does he have to be the first pope in the United States in the pope election?

After Pope Francis died at the age of 88, the Catholic Church entered a new chapter. The 2025 Pope Conference will begin soon. The 137 cardinals who are eligible to vote include New York Archbishop Timothy M Dolan, a famous American Catholic figure. His presence at the conference raises this ancient question – Can Americans become popes?

Who is Timothy Dolan?

Cardinal Doran has been a household name in the Catholic circle of the United States for more than a decade. He was appointed Archbishop of New York in 2009. In 2012, Pope Benedict XVI promoted him to Cardinal.
According to a report from the North, he quickly became popular and is known for his charm, and his public role and firm conservatism. According to the report, Dolan also served as president of the American Catholic Bishops’ Conference and has been a defender of church teaching.
From opposing abortion rights, same-sex marriage to criticizing the Obama administration’s contraceptive mission, Dowland is often the center of American cultural war. However, despite his popularity and influence, the report quoted Vatican experts as saying that this is the long-term Cardinal Doran’s as the next pope.

Why is it unlikely for the American pope?

Any male Roman Catholic baptized is technically qualified to be elected as Pope. However, every pope has been selected from the Cardinal College since 1378. In theory, Doran is qualified to be the Pope. However, no American wears white Kassock, which experts think is a deliberate decision.

It is reported that the Catholic Church has been hesitant in history to elect a pope from the United States. They fear that it would politicize the papality and undermine the papal independence. According to media reports, American cardinals are often regarded as “cultural warriors.” The division of ideology within the American church has made it impossible for the American pope to many outside the United States.Also read: Open Banking on Easter Monday? Is this a federal holiday in the United States? Details are here

Media reports quote Vatican journalist John Thavis as saying that the main obstacle to Pope Doran is that he is “too American”.

What will happen next after Pope Francis dies?

After the death of Pope Francis, the church entered a period called Sede (the chairs were vacant). The Cardinal will soon travel to Rome, and although informal dialogue is underway, the formal meeting will be held in confidentiality.

The Cardinal may not have the role of a candidate, but a king. The report added that there are eight American cardinals (more than any other country outside of Italy) together and they can move the church in almost any direction.

FAQ

Q1. Who is Timothy Dolan?
A1. Cardinal Dolan is the Archbishop of New York, and he is known for his charisma, conservative viewpoint and leadership of the American Catholic Church. He was promoted to Cardinal in 2012.

Q2. Why is it unlikely for the American pope?
A2. Experts believe that the American Pope can politicize the Pope. American cardinals are often regarded as “cultural warriors”, which makes them controversial abroad.