New York Archbishop Cardinal Timothy Dolan announced Tuesday that he will offer the opening prayer next week at the Republican National Convention.
Dolan, who has spoken at both the RNC and the Democratic National Convention in the past, said in a statement that prayer at such events is not “political or partisan.”
“My agreeing to pray does not constitute an endorsement of any candidate, party, or platform,” Dolan said, adding that he would do the same if the DNC invited him this year.
Dolan said that it was his hope that “during this tumultuous time in our nation’s history” that both religious and nonreligious people will “join together in seeking peace and reconciliation in our hearts, in our cities, and in our country.” Dolan offered a prayer at Trump’s inauguration in 2017.
Dolan made waves when he prayed at the DNC in 2012, making an explicit call for those present to protect the unborn.
“We ask your benediction on those waiting to be born that they may be welcomed and protected,” Dolan said.
The New York archbishop made a similar statement in his 2012 prayer at the RNC.
On Monday, James Martin, a high-profile Jesuit priest, announced that he will be “praying for a respect for the sanctity of all human life and for a nation in which all are welcome.”
Martin, who has stirred past controversies in the Catholic Church, confirmed to the Washington Examiner on Monday that he will explicitly call for protections for the unborn.
