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Cardinal Edward Egan, the former Archbishop of New York, has died at the age of 82, according to the Archdiocese of New York. Egan died of cardiac arrest Thursday afternoon at the NYU Langone Medical Center.
Archbishop Timothy Dolan said in a statement:
Thank God he had a peaceful death, passing away right after lunch today, with the prayers and sacraments of his loyal priest secretary, Father Douglas Crawford, in his residence at the Chapel of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Join me, please, in thanking God for his life, especially his generous and faithful priesthood.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. He Was Archbishop from 2000 to 2009
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Cardinal Egan oversaw the Archdiocese of New York, one of the largest in the nation, for nearly 10 years, leading it through financial troubles and changing demographics, according to the New York Times.
2. He Was Still Working With the Church
When Egan retired he was moved into an emeritus position, according to the archdiocese, and he continued to work in New York, as well as serving on a number of Vatican offices.
3. He Was Previously the Bishop of Bridgeport, Connecticut
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Before becoming the Archbishop of New York and later a member of the College of Cardinals, Egan was a bishop in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
4. He Was Born in Illinois
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Egan was born in Oak Park, Illinois to Irish immigrant parents. He became a priest in the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1957.
5. He Dealt With Sex Abuse Scandals in New York City & Bridgeport
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Egan was both criticized and praised for his handling of priest sex abuse scandals during his time in Bridgeport and later in New York.
