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RYE, N.Y. - Pope Benedict the XVI announced Friday that New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan will be elevated, along with 21 other prelates, to the status of Cardinal in a February ceremony.
Rye Resurrection Monsignor Donald Dwyer sang Dolan's praises inside the Resurrection Church on Friday.
"Archbishop Dolan is a man of many talents," Dwyer said. "He is an outstanding preacher and teacher."
Dolan has served as the leader of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops, making him the country's representative for the 300 dioceses and 190 bishops in America.
"Archbishop Dolan has an outstanding sense of humor and he also has a unique ability to connect with people," Dwyer added.
In addition to praising Dolan, Dwyer also spoke about what the elevation says about the Archdiocese of New York as a whole.
"It's a great honor for the Church of New York," Dwyer said. "When the pope told Archbishop Dolan he was honoring him he told him he should put his new red hat over the Empire State Building."
According to Dwyer, next to Rome, New York is the most prominent diocese in the world.
"In many ways the Pope is honoring New York for being the capital of the world," Dwyer said.
Dwyer confirmed that Dolan has visited Resurrection Church three times over the past three years and added that Dolan has a special appreciation for the people of Rye.
"When I was made pastor in June of 2011, Archbishop Dolan told me that Resurrection was one of the premier churches in the entire Archdiocese, and I happen to agree with him," Dwyer said. "The people in Rye are special and Archbishop Dolan understands that."
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