Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today designated March 12-18, 2012 as Timothy Cardinal Dolan Week in New York State. A formal proclamation issued by the Governor today paid tribute to Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, in honor of his elevation to the College of Cardinals. To commemorate the week, One World Trade Center will be lit red starting tonight and lasting through Sunday, March 18.

"It is an honor to designate Timothy Cardinal Dolan Week in New York," Governor Cuomo said. "Cardinal Dolan has quickly become a beloved leader in our state and it is clear that he will continue to have a tremendous impact on the next generation of Catholicism in New York and throughout the United States."

In 2009, Cardinal Dolan was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as the tenth Archbishop of New York, replacing the retiring Edward Cardinal Egan. On February 18, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI elevated Cardinal Dolan to the College of Cardinals at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Cardinal Dolan also received the title of Arch-Priest of Nostra Signora di Guadalupe a Monte Mario. He is currently the President of the United States Conference of Bishops and his other posts include memberships on the Board of Trustees of the Catholic University of America, the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization, and the Pontifical Council for Social Communications.

Cardinal Dolan was born on February 6, 1950, in St. Louis, Missouri. He attended Saint Louis Preparatory Seminary and Cardinal Glennon College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy. He completed a doctorate in American Church History at the Catholic University of America. He served as Vice-Rector of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary as well as a professor of theology at St. Louis University.

Official proclamations are used to honor individuals who make invaluable contributions to the well-being of New York, including those enriching the state through religious and spiritual work.

One World Trade Center is currently 1,208 feet, making it second largest in New York City. When completed, it will be the tallest building in the United States.

A copy of the proclamation is available at http://www.governor.ny.gov/proclamation/2012Cardinal-Dolan.