Archbishop Timothy Dolan's ascent in the Catholic Church continued Friday with a promotion.
From Vatican City, Pope Benedict XVI announced that he will name Dolan, 61, to the College of Cardinals.
Dolan was made archbishop in 2009, leading New York's 2.6 million members of the Catholic church, in Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island and many of the city's suburban counties, including Westchester, Putnam and Rockland counties.
In a statement released by the Archdiocese of New York, Dolan said that he received a "gift" from Pope Benedict XVI and would be made cardinal in a ceremony Feb. 18.
"Yes, I am honored, humbled, and grateful, … but, let’s be frank: this is not about Timothy Dolan; this is an honor from the Holy Father to the Archdiocese of New York, and to all our cherished friends and neighbors who call this great community home," he said.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo offered his congratulations to Dolan in a statement.
"Archbishop Dolan has been a faithful and dedicated leader, who has always put service to others as his first priority," Cuomo said. "Our state has been blessed by Archbishop Dolan’s vision and leadership, and I offer him my support and friendship as he continues to lead the Catholic Church here in New York.”
