Pope Hope Is Dope

By Antonio Antenucci and Beth Defalco
New York Post
February 18, 2013

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/pope_hope_is_dope_fK8xpbgp5lzn9HJh9S3YYL

I’d say those are only from people smoking marijuana.' —Timothy Cardinal Dolan, on rumors he’ll be next pope

Anyone who believes Timothy Cardinal Dolan has a chance of becoming the next pope is smoking funny cigarettes — so says Dolan.

At St. Patrick’s Cathedral yesterday, Dolan was asked about rumors that he would be named the first American pope when the College of Cardinals convenes next month to select Pope Benedict’s successor.

“I’d say those are only from people smoking marijuana,” Dolan said.

When Benedict stunned the world last week by saying he would resign on Feb. 28, it was expected the Vatican conclave to choose the next pope would be held a couple of weeks later.

But now, there are indications it will be moved up because there is no period of mourning, as there would be for a deceased pope.

“I haven’t heard anything,” said Dolan. “I’m eager along with the rest of the cardinals to hear some information and instructions about what will happen.”

“I would think one would not want to rush into the conclave,” he added.

Benedict drew a larger than usual crowd for his penultimate Sunday address yesterday and asked the faithful to pray for him and for the next pope.

The crowd of more than 50,000 in St. Peter’s Square chanted, “Long live the pope!” waved banners and broke into sustained applause as he spoke from his window.

Dolan was asked whether the 85-year-old pontiff would give advice or play a role in the selection of his successor.

“Well, he would have an extraordinary spiritual role, wouldn’t he?” he said. “His example, his prayer, that will be a major role.”

But Dolan added, “He has already, with characteristic humility, said that he does not want to have any direct influence in the conclave.”

Dolan also said he wants Gov. Cuomo to reconsider changing New York’s abortion laws, as he proposed in his State of the State address.

“Tragically, we are the abortion capital of the nation. If there’s one area where we don’t need to expand things in the state of New York, it would be in abortion rights,” Dolan said.

If no state legislation is passed and the Supreme Court’s landmark Roe v. Wade decision is overturned, late-term abortions would be banned except if the mother’s life was at risk.

But critics say the Cuomo proposal could encourage more doctors to perform late-term procedures, even if it doesn’t technically expand the existing practice.