Q’s from the Pews: Why did Cardinal Dolan Retire? January 4 , 2025

In our last “Q’s from the Pews,” we talked about the difference between Canon Law and Catechism. The recent retirement of Cardinal Dolan, Archdiocese of New York, gives us a real-life example of how Canon Law works.

Years ago, before Vatican II, priests—including bishops—could serve for life. That sometimes meant continuing even when health or strength faded. Vatican II encouraged priests to retire at age 75, and in 1983, Cannon Law made it official: priests must offer their resignation at 75. They can stay on only if there’s a special need and their bishop agrees.

Here in the U.S., there are 434 bishops, ranging in age from 46 to 103, and only about a quarter are younger than 65! When Pope Leo led the Dicastery for Bishops, Pope Francis asked him to look at this issue so the Church could stay strong and avoid too many retirements all at once.

We don’t know exactly why Cardinal Dolan’s resignation was accepted, but we do know that he remains a Cardinal-Bishop and will keep serving as a spiritual leader—maybe even more now that he’s free from administrative duties. Let’s keep him in our prayers and pray for Archbishop Ronald Hicks as he begins his new role in New York.