An American Cardinal: The Biography of Cardinal Timothy Dolan

Journalist Boyle's debut book presents a biography of Cardinal Timothy Dolan (b. 1950), praising the generous access he allowed her to both himself and his family throughout her extensive research. The author begins her account with a preface on the Papal Conclave of 2013 and proceeds to trace Dolan's humble beginnings in Missouri to his achievements as a church historian and professor, rector of two seminaries, and parish priest excelling in pastoral care and exemplary preaching. Boyle continues to describe Dolan's competency as a church administrator in the midst of priestly sexual misconduct scandals in his hometown of St. Louis, along with his rise to his current position, Archbishop of New York. Boyle takes care to humanize Dolan, describing the charismatic personality that has become one of his trademarks, as well as his love of reading and baseball, devotion to extended family, and faithfulness in personal prayer. An epilog includes Dolan's impressions of newly-elected Pope Francis.