Cardinal Timothy Dolan to Discuss Reasons for Dialogue Between Leone and Trump

Pizza in the Eternal City:

VATICAN CITY. The first question is thrown out by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, to the interviewer. "Where're ya from, bucko?" He expects the answer from Turin, and when he gets it, he exclaims, slapping the interviewer on the shoulder. "Marvelous, it's the city of Don Bosco! Don Bosco is a bloody legend, mate! There, in your city, there's the heart of Don Bosco: when you get back, give him my regards!" Then everyone scatters, and it's back to business.

Pope Leo XIV – the New Kid on the Block

The Archbishop Cardinal of New York is the undisputed captain of the Catholic conservative crew, not just in the US, a chum of Donald Trump. He was the star attraction on social media during the pre-Conclave madness. On X, he posted, "Prayer is the bomb diggity. If we don't base it on prayer, we're looking at trouble." He's happy with the election of Robert Francis Prevost, Leo XIV. We chat with the Big Apple’s cardinal in the internal courtyard of the Pontifical North American College, on the Janiculum, amidst orange and pomelo trees, in the sweltering Roman afternoon. Dolan's talkative, keeps the stage throughout with jovial jokes and laughs, greets every priest he catches sight of.

Your Highness, what did you spill to Prevost in the Sistine Chapel as soon as he became Pope?

"Totus tuus," I blurted out, reminding him of the episcopal motto of St. John Paul II, which means "All Yours." It's about total submission to Mary, the Mother of Jesus. That motto's more than a mere phrase; it's a life program, complete surrender, letting oneself be guided by her who said her full "yes" to God. John Paul II made it the cornerstone of his life and papacy. And when I uttered it to Leo XIV, I wished him the same – to let himself be guided, like a son, into the arms of she who always leads to the light of Christ. I hoped within me that Mary would keep him every day, as she did with her Son.

How do you envision the Church’s future with Leo XIV?

"Pumped, son. Because the center of the Church is Jesus Christ. As long as we keep our eyes on him, even in stormy seas or changing times, we'll stay on course. Pope Leo's a man of deep faith, steeped in prayer, capable of listening. This brings hope: not a political program or a media strategy, but the concrete demonstration of the Gospel. Pope Leo's already shown that he wants to speak from the heart, without sugarcoating the truth, but with a load of mercy. That's what I call the future: a Church that stays close, that knows how to say yes to God even if it hurts."

I'll tell you this. I got a message from my great-grandson Charlie, who was born on the day of Pope Francis’ election: "Uncle Tim, we watched the white smoke, cheers for Pope Leo. And we're crying. And we're stoked that you didn't get the job, so you’ll be back home." I felt the same euphoria from the mouth of a 12-year-old kid – pure and infectious. I’m honored, as a follower of Jesus Christ, as a priest, bishop, and cardinal, to have lived through the Conclave. And now this spectacular moment of joy.

Leo XIV is the first Pope born in the United States. What's that all about?

"A sense of pride and gratitude for us, but it must be said that Leo XIV is also a Peruvian citizen. He lived on a mission in Peru for decades, got real close with the locals, and took citizenship. He's a citizen of the world, reminding us that, as St. Paul says, our true citizenship is in heaven."

What role does the Pope’s nationality play in the election, in your opinion?

"It's not irrelevant, but it ain't central. Robert Francis Prevost ain't Prevost no more; he's now Pope. Jesus changed the name of the first Pope – from Simon to Peter – because he was kickstarting a new mission. So today too."

Was his nomination also powered by geopolitics?

"Nah, ain't no such plan. Perhaps in 1978, with John Paul II and the communist juggernaut, the context of international relations might have influenced the choice. But today I ain't seein' nothing similar. The new Pope was selected because he's a man of God, a bridge builder."

Speaking of bridges, how do you see the relationship between Leo XIV and Donald Trump shaping up?

"The Pope will build bridges with every leader. That includes President Trump. The Latin word 'pontifex' means "he who builds bridges." There won't be any leader that Pope Leo considers more or less important than another. The coming days will see him meeting heads of state and reps from all corners, with the same desire to dialogue."

What matters more in a Pope: personality or ministry?

"Course, we wanna know the personality, the vibe of Prevost as a pontiff. But it's the ministry of the successor of Peter that truly matters. Popes change, but the Church rolls on. Like the Italians say: you gotta make the pasta with the dough you got."

Do you see a direct link between Leo XIV and his predecessors?

"He could be a blend of Benedict XVI and Francis. Like St. Augustine, Pope Prevost has a deep intellect, and he knows that faith's gotta touch the heart, gotta express itself in a real, captivating, and tangible way. He's got a missionary spirit, and a strong theological mind. A beauty combination."

What kind of Pope were you looking for?

"A shepherd. That's what Jesus is. This'll be the Sunday of the Good Shepherd. The Pope must be a good shepherd. And Pope Leo's got pastoral experience. It's on his resume. Pope Francis had it. And the Lord knows that Pope Leo's got it too."

What was the grub like during the Conclave?

"It was a fantastic incentive to wrap things up as soon as possible (laughs)."

The average Catholic conservatives find Pope Leo XIV's leadership engaging, especially in the context of general news and politics.
Don Bosco, a figure from the Pope's hometown Turin, was a topic of conversation between Cardinal Dolan and Pope Leo XIV during their meeting in the Vatican.
The absolute commitment to Christianity displayed by Pope Leo XIV is expected to guide the Church's future, according to Cardinal Dolan.
The Pope's Peruvian citizenship, in addition to his American nationality, serves as a reminder of the Church's global nature and spiritual connection.