Archbishop-Emeritus Cardinal Edward Egan, the 12th bishop of the Archdiocese of New York, died on Thursday afternoon from cardiac arrest. He was 82.
Egan was pronounced dead at NYU Langone Medical Center in Manhattan just before 2:30 p.m. ET, confirmed Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, in a statement.
A native of Oak Park, Illinois, Egan was born on April 2, 1932, and was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago on Dec. 15, 1957. He was consecrated a bishop in 1985 and, for the following three years, served as Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar for Education of the Archdiocese of New York.
Egan was then appointed the Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport by the late Pope John Paul II in 1988. In 2000, he was appointed Archbishop of New York and made a cardinal in 2001.
“His compassion was reflected in his deeds, and his ability to inspire those around him,” said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. He continued, “Cardinal Egan spread love and knowledge, and brought comfort to countless New Yorkers and others across the country and the world who sought his guidance and counsel — especially in the aftermath of 9/11.”
In May 2009, Egan retired as Archbishop of New York at the age of 77. He then assisted in the works of the Archdiocese while serving in several offices of the Vatican.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized.
Michele Richinick