Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York, said he was “startled” to learn Monday morning that Pope Benedict XVI will be resigning at the end of the month.
“I’m as startled as the rest of you and as anxious to find out exactly what’s going on,” Dolan said during an appearance on NBC’s “Today.”
Doland added that he feels “kind of somber” over the news due to his “special bond” with the pontiff. Pope Benedict XVI appointed Cardinal Dolan as archbishop of New York in 2009.
“You know, in a way, I love this Pope,” Dolan said. “I mean, every Catholic feels the Pope is his father. We call him our ‘Holy Father.’ The world looks to him with respect and affection. I sense a special bond with him. I mean, he’s the one that appointed me to you all as archbishop of New York.”
Watch:
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
