An American Cardinal

The most powerful Roman Catholic leader in the United States had humble beginnings. Timothy Michael Dolan was born in Maplewood, Missouri in 1950. From an early age, those around him knew that he would become a priest. Through college and seminary, his power and spirituality grew. He was formally ordained in 1976. In 2009, he was made Archbishop of New York. Several months later he was elevated to cardinal. There were clear signs that the ailing Pope Benedict XVI saw him as a bright hope for the future, and Vatican experts seriously wondered if he would be chosen to lead the Catholics of the world. Dolan is a warm and cheerful man who draws crowds, but his rise to power was not without its controversies. His handling of the sex abuse scandal was, some say, more about protecting the Church than the victims. He is a consummate player who doesn't shy away from picking a political battle. He is also caring in a way that makes him--for all of his power--seem like a simple parish priest who looks after every member of his flock. This is a book about power and the Roman Catholic church today, framed by the life of a man who might someday become the first American pope.--From publisher description.