Official Statements

Following is the statement of Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, on the death of his predecessor, Cardinal Edward Egan.

My dear people,

I am saddened to tell you that our beloved Cardinal Edward Egan, the Archbishop of New York from 2000-2009, has gone home to the Lord.        

Thank God he had a peaceful death, passing away right after lunch today, with the prayers and sacraments of his loyal priest secretary, Father Douglas Crawford, in his residence at the Chapel of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. He was rushed to NYU Langone Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 2:20 p.m. this afternoon.

Join me, please, in thanking God for his life, especially his generous and faithful priesthood.

Pray as well that the powerful mercy of Jesus, in which our Cardinal had such trust, has ushered him into heaven.

My sympathy to his natural family, who will grieve for their uncle, and to you, his spiritual family here in the Archdiocese of New York.

I’ll keep in touch as our arrangements are made.

May he rest in peace.

Following is a statement issued by Richard E. Barnes, executive director of the New York State Catholic Conference. Cardinal Egan served as president of the state Catholic Conference, which represents the bishops of New York in matters of public policy, when he was Archbishop of New York, 2000-2009.

“We are so saddened to learn of the death of our beloved former Conference President, Edward Cardinal Egan, archbishop emeritus of New York. Cardinal Egan was a dear and true friend and he will be terribly missed by those who knew and loved him.

“The cardinal’s contributions to the work of the New York State Catholic Conference cannot be overstated. As the founder of the Catholic Action Network, he had the vision to use the potential of the Internet to fundamentally reshape our grassroots education and advocacy. It was a model copied not only by other state Catholic Conferences throughout the country, but by advocacy organizations of all kinds.

“He was a tireless defender of the poor and vulnerable, the unborn, the sick and the elderly. He had a particular devotion to Catholic education, calling it the Church’s most important charitable ministry, and he raised untold millions to ensure its viability.

“I personally will miss his friendship, his wise counsel, his sense of humor, and the example he showed as a man of holiness. His episcopal motto, ‘In the holiness of truth,’ summed him up perfectly. Cardinal Egan was a man of truth, who recognized the holiness of that virtue.

"May he rest in the peace of the Lord whom he loved and served so faithfully here on earth.”

Following is a statement of Mario Bruschi, director of St Patrick's Young Adult Ministry.

Dear Friends in Christ,

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Edward Cardinal Egan, the former archbishop of New York.

He passed away this afternoon of cardiac arrest.

He was the Archbishop of NY from 2000-2009. 

Cardinal Egan was a priest of the Catholic Church. Let us pray for his family and the Archdiocese as we lay to rest one of our leaders.

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

Following is a statement issued by U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer:

“Cardinal Egan was deeply spiritual and a great intellectual, but at the same time very down-to-earth, compassionate and friendly. I was lucky to know him and New York was lucky to have him. May he rest in peace.”

Following is a statement issued by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio: 

“Chirlane and I are saddened to learn of the death of Edward Cardinal Egan. He was a generous man who committed his life to serving others. His compassion was reflected in his deeds, and his ability to inspire those around him. As Archbishop-Emeritus, 12th bishop and 9th archbishop and 7th Cardinal of the See of New York, Cardinal Egan spread love and knowledge, and brought comfort to countless New Yorkers and others across the country and the world who sought his guidance and counsel—especially in the aftermath of 9/11. On behalf of all New Yorkers, Chirlane and I extend our deepest sympathies to Cardinal Egan’s family and his extended family at the Archdiocese of New York.”

Following is a statement issued by Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus:

“Cardinal Egan’s message of hope following the attacks of September 11, 2001, helped to console not just fellow Roman Catholics but all New Yorkers on that dark and tragic day. Orange County mourns the passing of this remarkable faith leader.”