'A testament to hope': 7 Christian leaders react to death of Pope Francis

By Michael Gryboski, Editor Monday, April 21, 2025

3. Timothy Dolan

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York, speaks during a news conference at the headquarters of the Archdiocese of New York, September 20, 2018, in New York City. Dolan announced that he is appointing Barbara Jones, a former judge for the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York, to review the Catholic Church's procedures and protocols for handling allegations of sexual abuse. | Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, head of the Catholic Archdiocese of New York, who was part of the conclave that elected Francis in 2013, issued a statement calling on people of all faiths to mourn the passing of Francis.

"I join with people all over the world, not only Catholics but people of all faiths or none at all, in mourning the passing of our beloved Pope Francis this morning," stated Dolan.

"How appropriate that his last public appearance was on Easter Sunday as we celebrated the joy of the resurrection of Jesus whom Pope Francis loved so deeply and so well, and right after our Jewish brothers and sisters, for whom Pope Francis had such great love, concluded their celebration of Passover."

Dolan said he believed that the pope "touched us all with his simplicity, with his heart of a humble servant."