List of Roman Catholic archbishops of New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids {{{name}}} |
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![]() Timothy M. Dolan, the Archbishop of New York since 2009
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Denomination | Catholic Church |
Sui iuris church | Latin Church |
Established |
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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.
Contents
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
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This means the archbishop was also made a Cardinal |
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OP | Dominican Order (a religious group) |
PSS | Society of the Priests of Saint Sulpice (another religious group) |
Bishops of New York
From | Until | Leader | Notes | |
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1808 | 1810 | R. Luke Concanen, OP | Chosen on April 8, 1808. Died on June 19, 1810. He never visited the Diocese. | |
1814 | 1825 | John Connolly, OP | Chosen on October 4, 1814. Arrived in New York on November 24, 1815. Died on February 6, 1825. | |
1826 | 1842 | John Dubois, PSS | Chosen on May 23, 1826. Died on December 20, 1842. | |
1842 | 1850 | John Hughes | Became a helper bishop from 1837 to 1842. |
Archbishops of New York
From | Until | Leader | Notes | |
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1850 | 1864 | John Hughes | Became the first Archbishop of New York on July 19, 1850. Died on January 3, 1864. | |
1864 | 1885 | John McCloskey![]() |
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 | Michael Corrigan | Was a helper archbishop from 1880 to 1885. Died on May 5, 1902. | |
1902 | 1918 | John Murphy Farley![]() |
Was a helper bishop from 1895 to 1902. Became a cardinal on November 27, 1911. Died on September 17, 1918. | |
1919 | 1938 | Patrick Joseph Hayes![]() |
Was a helper bishop from 1914 to 1917. Became a cardinal on March 24, 1924. Died on September 4, 1938. | |
1939 | 1967 | Francis Spellman![]() |
Chosen on April 15, 1939. Became a cardinal on February 18, 1946. Died on December 2, 1967. | |
1968 | 1983 | Terence Cooke![]() |
Was a helper bishop from 1965 to 1968. Became a cardinal on April 28, 1969. Died on October 6, 1983. | |
1984 | 2000 | John O'Connor![]() |
Chosen on January 26, 1984. Became a cardinal on May 25, 1985. Died on May 3, 2000. | |
2000 | 2009 | Edward Egan![]() |
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 | Timothy M. Dolan![]() |
Chosen on February 23, 2009. Became a cardinal on February 18, 2012. |