Timothy Cardinal Dolan never backed down from a political scrap, but was quick with a kind word and a sympathetic ear — and even kept a list of people he prayed for. At 75, the retiring leader of the Archdiocese of New York leaves behind a legacy of both compassion and a firm resolve to fight for the teachings of the Catholic Church,

Discussions over women becoming deacons, who are ordained and can assist with services but cannot celebrate Mass, have convulsed the 1.4 billion-member Church.

Pope Leo's selection had spurred optimism that the Church's stance on female deacons might change. That was not to be the case.

New York’s next archbishop is being heralded a “unifier” who will stick firmly to papal doctrine — just don’t expect to see him on talk shows any time soon. Pope Leo XIV appointed Ronald Hicks Jr., the current bishop of Joliet,