New York City, N.Y., Aug 28, 2012 / 09:31 am
Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York has accepted an invitation to offer the closing prayer at the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C.
"It was made clear to the Democratic Convention organizers, as it was to the Republicans, that the Cardinal was coming solely as a pastor, only to pray, not to endorse any party, platform, or candidate," New York archdiocese spokesperson Joseph Zwilling said in an Aug. 28 statement.
As previously announced, Cardinal Dolan will also give the benediction at the close of the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla.
Cardinal Dolan accepted the invitation after consulting and gaining the consent of Bishop Peter Jugis of the Diocese of Charlotte, N.C., since the convention will be taking place in his diocese.