Cardinal Edward Egan Passes Away at Age 82 -- Local Tributes Come in

  Former Archbishop of New York Cardinal Edward Egan dies at at 82 of Cardiac Arrest. 

  Egan was appointed in 2000 to succeed Cardinal John O'Connor by then Pope John Paul II. Archbishop Egan watched the Catholic Church grow in number of parishes, and its schools grow in enrollment as well/ Below are some local comments about Cardinal Egan's passing.

STATEMENT OF MAYOR DE BLASIO

“Chirlane and I are saddened to learn of the death of Edward Cardinal Egan. He was a generous man who committed his life to serving others. His compassion was reflected in his deeds, and his ability to inspire those around him. As Archbishop-Emeritus, 12th bishop and 9th archbishop and 7th Cardinal of the See of New York, 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. On behalf of all New Yorkers, Chirlane and I extend our deepest sympathies to Cardinal Egan’s family and his extended family at the Archdiocese of New York.”

STATEMENT  FROM  BOROUGH  PRESIDENT  DIAZ

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Cardinal Edward M. Egan, a man whom hundreds of thousands looked up to as a spiritual role model and who represented his faith and the faith of all Catholics as an exemplary servant of God.

“Cardinal Egan presided over the New York Archdiocese for nine years and was an inspiration to his more than 2.5 million parishioners and to numerous Catholics all over the world. The cardinal was one of America’s most visible and respected Catholic leaders, and was especially strong for the people of this city in the aftermath of the terror attacks of 9/11. We will miss him.

“I, along with all 1.4 million residents of The Bronx offer my thoughts and prayers to his entire family and to the Archdiocese of New York in their time of mourning,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Statement from State Senator Jeff Klein

“I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of His Eminence, Edward Cardinal Egan, the former Archbishop of New York City. I extend my deepest prayers and sympathies to his family and the members of the Roman Catholic Church who mourn his passing. Beloved Cardinal Egan’s spirituality touched so many New Yorkers, particularly on September 11 when he administered last rites to those in their final moments of life. His legacy of increasing parishioner rolls, school enrollment and fighting for funding for religious and independent schools in my district will always be remembered. My condolences go out to the entire Catholic community.”

STATEMENT FROM COUNCIL MEMBER ANDY KING

“My heart is with the extended family of the late Edward Cardinal Egan, New York’s 2.5 million Catholics who are mourning the loss of an esteemed leader of faith,” said Council Member Andy King, Co-Chair of the Black, Latino & Asian Caucus.  “I recall his pastoral leadership especially after our city’s tragedy on 9/11, as well as his commitment to stewarding the institution of the Archdiocese of New York and the schools and social services that it provides for New Yorkers of diverse faiths.  It is a blessing that his passing this afternoon was a peaceful one and today, we remember him in life, a life lived fully in Christ.”