In an emotional interview, Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York described the death of Pope Francis as “a death in the family,” capturing the deep sorrow felt by Catholics around the world.

“You feel like we’ve lost a father,” he said. “There’s a communal sense of sorrow and loss — and well there should be.” Cardinal Dolan recounted how New Yorkers spontaneously expressed their grief as he made his way to media interviews. “One lady just stopped and started crying,” he said. “Another fella came up to me and said, ‘I’m probably an agnostic at best, but I already miss the old guy.’”

For Cardinal Dolan, the death of Pope Francis marks a deeply personal loss as well. He reflected on the pope’s historic visit to New York in 2015 and the bond that was forged in those two days. “He had never been to New York,” Dolan said. “I remember him being surprised at how warmly he was received. He said to me, ‘It’s like they love me.’ And I told him, ‘They do love you, Holy Father.’”

As the Church enters a period of transition, Cardinal Dolan also spoke to the challenges that lie ahead — many of which were close to Pope Francis’ heart. “We cardinals are also God’s people,” he said. “We share the same concerns.”

Those concerns, echoed in synodal consultations with thousands of Catholics in New York, include the loss of faith among young people, the future of Catholic schools and religious education, a shortage of priests, global Christian persecution, and the ongoing defense of life and care for the poor, immigrants, and the elderly.

“These are good things to be concerned about,” Dolan said. “They show the solicitude of Holy Mother Church. Our people know the challenges. So do we.”

The Church now waits in mourning — and anticipation — for the conclave that will elect a new successor to Saint Peter. Until then, as Cardinal Dolan put it, “We’re not going to be the same.”