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List of Roman Catholic archbishops of New York facts for kids

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A bespectacled man wearing liturgical vestments and a chain around his neck attached to a pectoral cross that is not visible in photograph facing right
Timothy M. Dolan, the Archbishop of New York since 2009
Shield topped by a mitre, featuring a silver field divided per red saltire, four red crosses within the four quarters, and a silver wind mill on the saltire
Coat of arms
Information
Denomination Catholic Church
Sui iuris church Latin Church
Established
  • 1808 (bishopric)
  • 1850 (archbishopric)
Cathedral St. Patrick's Cathedral

The Archbishop of New York is the main leader of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. This person is in charge of the spiritual and administrative needs of the Catholic Church in New York City and nearby areas. The Archbishop also helps oversee other bishops in almost all of New York State. These other bishops lead areas like Albany, Brooklyn, and Buffalo. The current Archbishop is Timothy M. Dolan.

The Story of the Archdiocese

The Catholic Church in New York started as the Diocese of New York. It was officially created on April 8, 1808.

First Bishops

R. Luke Concanen was chosen as its first bishop. However, he could not travel from Italy to New York. This was because of the Napoleonic Wars happening at the time. He sadly passed away before he could ever reach New York.

His successor, John Connolly, took over. During his time, the number of Catholics in New York grew a lot. Many new immigrants from Ireland and Germany were arriving. Because of this growth, the Holy See (the Pope's main office) decided to make the diocese bigger.

Becoming an Archdiocese

On July 19, 1850, the Diocese of New York became an "archdiocese." This means it became a more important and larger church area. John Hughes was then named the first Archbishop of this new, larger area.

The job of Archbishop of New York is very important. It also comes with many challenges. Pope John Paul II once called the office "archbishop of the capital of the world." This shows how significant the role is.

Key Facts About the Archbishops

So far, ten men have served as Archbishop of New York. Before that, three men were bishops of the earlier diocese.

Notable Archbishops

Only one of these leaders, John Dubois, was not born in Ireland or from an Irish family. Eight of the archbishops were also made a cardinal. A cardinal is a very important church leader. They are chosen by the Pope and help advise him.

John McCloskey was the fifth leader of the archdiocese. He was the first archbishop born in the United States. He was also the first born in what is now New York City. When he became a cardinal in 1875, he was the first American to receive this high honor.

Francis Spellman served as Archbishop of New York for the longest time. He held the position for 28 years, from 1939 to 1967. The shortest time was served by Concanen, who was bishop for 26 months.

List of Ordinaries

Bishop Richard Luke Concanen
R. Luke Concanen was the first Bishop of New York, but died before he could set foot in the Diocese.
John Hughes archbishop - Brady-Handy
John Hughes was the last Bishop of New York and its first archbishop.
John Cardinal McCloskey - Brady-Handy
John McCloskey became the first American cardinal in 1875.
Key
Cardinal This means the archbishop was also made a Cardinal
OP Dominican Order (a religious group)
PSS Society of the Priests of Saint Sulpice (another religious group)

Bishops of New York

Bishops
From Until Leader Notes
1808 1810 Concanen, R. LukeR. Luke Concanen, OP Chosen on April 8, 1808. Died on June 19, 1810. He never visited the Diocese.
1814 1825 Connolly, JohnJohn Connolly, OP Chosen on October 4, 1814. Arrived in New York on November 24, 1815. Died on February 6, 1825.
1826 1842 Dubois, JohnJohn Dubois, PSS Chosen on May 23, 1826. Died on December 20, 1842.
1842 1850 Hughes, JohnJohn Hughes Became a helper bishop from 1837 to 1842.

Archbishops of New York

Archbishops
From Until Leader Notes
1850 1864 Hughes, JohnJohn Hughes Became the first Archbishop of New York on July 19, 1850. Died on January 3, 1864.
1864 1885 McCloskey, JohnJohn McCloskeydouble-dagger Was a helper archbishop from 1843 to 1847. Chosen as Archbishop on May 6, 1864. He was the first archbishop born in the United States and in New York City. He became a cardinal on March 15, 1875. Died on October 10, 1885.
1885 1902 Corrigan, MichaelMichael Corrigan Was a helper archbishop from 1880 to 1885. Died on May 5, 1902.
1902 1918 Farley, John MurphyJohn Murphy Farleydouble-dagger Was a helper bishop from 1895 to 1902. Became a cardinal on November 27, 1911. Died on September 17, 1918.
1919 1938 Hayes, Patrick JosephPatrick Joseph Hayesdouble-dagger Was a helper bishop from 1914 to 1917. Became a cardinal on March 24, 1924. Died on September 4, 1938.
1939 1967 Spellman, FrancisFrancis Spellmandouble-dagger Chosen on April 15, 1939. Became a cardinal on February 18, 1946. Died on December 2, 1967.
1968 1983 Cooke, TerenceTerence Cookedouble-dagger Was a helper bishop from 1965 to 1968. Became a cardinal on April 28, 1969. Died on October 6, 1983.
1984 2000 O'Connor, JohnJohn O'Connordouble-dagger Chosen on January 26, 1984. Became a cardinal on May 25, 1985. Died on May 3, 2000.
2000 2009 Egan, EdwardEdward Egandouble-dagger Was a helper bishop from 1985 to 1988. Became a cardinal on February 21, 2001. Retired on February 23, 2009. Died on March 5, 2015.
2009 present Dolan, Timothy M.Timothy M. Dolandouble-dagger Chosen on February 23, 2009. Became a cardinal on February 18, 2012.
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