By Associated Press/KWMU
New York, NY – Native St. Louisan Archbishop Timothy Dolan was installed today as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church in New York.
Thousands attended an elaborate ceremony in St. Patrick's Cathedral. Known for his wit and warmth, Dolan was humble as he addressed parishioners for the first time.
"Thank you. Thank you all for so personally supporting me as I begin this apostolic ministry in the archdiocese of New York."
At a news conference before the ceremony, Dolan said he will challenge any effort to legalize gay marriage in New York. And in his first homily as Archbishop of New York, Dolan took on the issue of abortion.
"The church is a loving mother who has a zest for life and serves life everywhere but she can become a protective mama bear when the life of her innocent, helpless cubs is threatened."
The Archdiocese of New York is the nation's second-largest diocese after Los Angeles yet it is the most visible Catholic post in the country.
Born, raised and ordained in St. Louis, Dolan was also named auxiliary bishop of St. Louis in 2001. The 59-year-old former archbishop of Milwaukee is succeeding Cardinal Edward Egan, who is retiring after nine years.