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Report: Milwaukee Archbishop To Replace Egan?

MILWAUKEE (CBS) ― A Wisconsin newspaper reported Wednesday that experts and observers consider the archbishop of that state's largest Roman Catholic archdiocese a favorite to replace New York Cardinal Edward Egan, should Egan's mandatory age-related resignation be accepted by the Pope next spring.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel quoted Father Richard Vega, president of the National Federation of Priests' Councils in Chicago, as saying he has heard a number of priests mention Archbishop Timothy Dolan as a possible Egan successor. The paper also interviewed John Allen, a journalist who covers the Vatican for the National Catholic Reporter. Allen is widely considered one of the world's foremost experts on the inner workings of the Catholic church hierarchy.

"He is a perfect profile for the job," Allen told the paper, referring to Dolan. "Traditionally, the archbishop of New York is supposed to be one of these bigger-than-life personalities that can stand up under the onslaught of the New York media, who can be a point of reference to the American church and project its voice on the public stage. Certanly, Archbishop Dolan is capable of doing all of that in spades."

The paper also cited a Monday CBS 2 report from Tony Aiello, who interviewed a number of New York-area priests, some of them voicing support for Dolan to become Egan's successor.

Dolan, 56, became archbishop of Milwaukee in 2002, replacing Rembert Weakland, whose resignation was accepted by the Vatican after it was disclosed that the archdiocese had paid $450,000 to a man who alleged Weakland had sexually assaulted him in 1979, when the man was 30 years old. It was an allegation Weakland denied, although he did admit to a relationship that was "inappropriate." The news hit southeastern Wisconsin Catholics hard.

Dolan is a charismatic figure who transformed the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, which has an estimated 750,000 parishoners, with his gregarious and compassionate style. He also exhibited an ability to forge strong friendships with Milwaukee opinion leaders, including influential members of the media. Many of them describe Dolan as a man who never saw a camera or microphone he didn't like.

Those are among the qualities that Egan lacks, say his detractors. Some of them have written or signed an anonymous letter circulated among priests in the archdiocese, calling for a vote of no confidence on Egan.

News of the letter broke last week on a Catholic news blog called "Whispers in the Loggia." The letter, from a group calling itself "A Committee of Concerned Clergy of the Archdiocese of New York," citing poor morale among priests, accused the Cardinal of an arrogant and ruthless manner, and ignoring the priests' spiritual concerns.

On Monday, a group of priests who advise Egan issued its support for the Cardinal, along with a strong public rebuke of the letter.

The anonymous letter is aimed at the Vatican, hoping Egan is not kept on when he reaches retirement age of 75 on April 2, 2007. Upon turning 75, all bishops must submit resignation letters, which the Pope can accept, or the retirement can be postponed.

Another factor that could work in Dolan's favor is that he is well connected at the Vatican. He once served as secretary to two papal nuncios, the Pope's representative in the U.S. He also once served as rector of the Pontifical North American College in Rome, an elite seminary.

Allen, the journalist for the National Catholic Reporter, also told the Journal Sentinel that many highly-placed church officials traditionally have believed that the archbishop of New York should come from the area. That, he said, would make Dolan a more unlikely choice. Vega, the president of the National Federation of Priests' Councils, cautioned that it is rare for a priest whose name is on a public list of possible successors to actually attain whatever position is the subject of the speculation.

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