It’s Now Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Thank You Very Much

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 18: Newly appointed cardinals Timothy Michael Dolan (R), Archbishop of New York, and Cardinal Frederick O'Brien (L), Archbishop of Baltimora smile as they leave Saint Peter's Basilica after a ceremony held by Pope Benedict XVI on February 18, 2012 in Vatican City, Vatican.The 84 year old Pontiff installed 22 new cardinals during a ceremony today. These men will be responsible for choosing his sucessor. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images)
Photo: Franco Origlia/2012 Getty Images

New York Archbishop (and Obama’s worst contraceptives-related nightmare) Timothy Dolan today donned the crimson vestments of a cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church, along with 21 others, including former Baltimore archbishop Edwin O’Brien (above, left, with Dolan). This beefs up the ranks of U.S. cardinals to 12, second only to Italy, which has 30 and now looks poised to retake the papal throne if rumors of Vatican infighting and Pope Benedict XVI’s ailing health are indeed to be believed. Dolan now returns to New York not only easier to pick out in a crowd but even more grandiosely titled as he continues to take the fight over contraceptives-insurance coverage to the White House.

Archbishop Timothy Dolan Is Now Cardinal Dolan