Cardinal Dolan and Mayor de Blasio Meet Discuss Working Together to Foster New Yorkers’ Common Good

Yesterday, Cardinal Dolan and Mayor de Blasio met at the Cardinal’s Residence to discuss how they might work together to foster a better New York.

Mayor de Blasio expressed particular appreciation for the inspiration of Pope Francis and his concern about issues of inequality that impact the poorest and most vulnerable.  They spoke about the tremendous contribution the Church makes in multiple ways to the fabric of New York.  They also expressed hope for a visit by Pope Francis to New York to share his message about serving the poor.

Mayor de Blasio specifically pointed out the important work of Catholic Charities:

“We talked a lot about affordable housing. We talked a lot about Catholic Charities and the work it does on behalf of children, on behalf of people in need. We talked about the need to help prisoners returning to society, a whole host of areas where we have common ground and where we can work together.”

I am not surprised, but still delighted, that the Mayor recognizes the tremendous good being done by our federation of Catholic Charities agencies in touching and responding to almost every human need.

Because of the work of these agencies, including professional staff, board members, donors and volunteers, help is provided with dignity and compassion and hope is created in neighborhoods and communities throughout New York.

Children are protected and nurtured. Families are strengthened and crises resolved.  The hungry are fed and the homeless sheltered. The physically and emotionally challenged are supported. Immigrants and refugees are welcomed and integrated into their new home.

Our Catholic Charities agencies have worked with each New York City administration for over 100 years to care for the poor and vulnerable New Yorkers of all religions and look forward to doing so with the de Blasio administration.  We are already convening agencies experienced in critical program and policy areas to discuss how we might best work  together to expand these services and meet unmet needs.

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