Edward Cardinal Egan - Definition and Overview

Edward Michael Egan, later Edward Cardinal Egan (born April 2, 1932) is the twelfth bishop (ninth archbishop) of the Roman Catholic diocese of New York. He was born in Oak Park, Illinois and ordained a priest on December 15, 1957. He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of New York, New York on April 1, 1985, and ordained bishop on May 22, 1985, with the titular see of Allegheny. He was appointed Bishop of Bridgeport, Connecticut on November 5, 1988 and installed in that position on December 14, 1988. He was appointed Archbishop of New York on May 11, 2000 and installed in that position on June 19, 2000. He was elevated to Cardinal on February 21, 2001.

Egan was criticized in June 2003 for concealing the names of priests who have been accused of child molestation and cleared by the church. His spokesman argued that the innocent should be protected; groups including Voice of the Faithful were critical because the entire process was out of the public view. (See Roman Catholic Church sex abuse scandal.)

See also: List of Roman Catholic Bishops and Archbishops of New York