Cardinal Timothy Dolan received the National Order of the Legion of Honour (Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur) of France on Tuesday, an expression of that nation’s gratitude for the archbishop emeritus of New York’s fundraising efforts following the fire that damaged Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris in 2019. 

Established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the Legion of Honour is France’s highest award. It can be bestowed upon members of the military or civilians, and upon both French citizens and citizens of other nations, deemed to have rendered valuable service to France. 

A towering figure among them 

Speaking at a ceremony in the Salon Rose of the Consulate General of France in Manhattan, Ambassador Laurent Bili said, “France has also benefited from your sense of duty and solidarity. In April 2019, Notre-Dame — that masterpiece of Gothic architecture, so like St. Patrick’s in many ways — went up in flames. The people of my country were devastated. But the solidarity shown by Americans was incredible, and you were a towering figure among them. 

“Soon after the fire, you called a press conference to announce a fundraising campaign for the rebuilding of Notre-Dame, calling on Americans of all backgrounds to contribute what they could. That operation was both brilliant and effective. Americans donated some $70 million, making them the leading foreign donors in the rebuilding of Notre-Dame,” the ambassador said. 

“So let me conclude with a single word — a word spoken on behalf of the French people, with deep gratitude for your leadership and generosity. 

“That word is: merci [thank you]. Merci, Cardinal Dolan,” Ambassador Bili said. 

The eldest daughter of the Church 

Cardinal Dolan spoke of his admiration of France and its contributions to the Church throughout history. 

“To praise France is easy, her glories so abundant. Can I concentrate on just one? A moment ago, I referred to France as the oldest ally of our still young Republic. Yet, I admire you even more with another title historically given to France, ‘the eldest daughter of the Church.’ So, when I contemplate France with love, as I do this morning, I conjure up…St. Denis, St. Martin of Tours, St. Hilary of Poitiers, St. Joan of Arc. In my imagination, I visit places such as Lisieux and the Little Flower; Ars and the curé, St. John Vianney; Margaret Mary Alacoque, and the Sacré-Cœur; Montmartre; the Rue du Bac, St. Vincent de Paul and St. Catherine Labouré; Lourdes and St. Bernadette. 

“No wonder my eyes moistened when, in Paris at his very kind invitation to attend the rededication of Notre-Dame, President Macron told us Americans, ‘As the nation watched in sorrow as Notre-Dame burned, all of France dropped to its knees in prayer… a prayer today answered,'” Cardinal Dolan said. 

He concluded with a similarly brief expression of gratitude: “Thanks!” 

WATCH: A Word from Cardinal Dolan: Friends of Notre Dame 

After Ambassador Bili had presented Cardinal Dolan with the Legion of Honour medal, John Cahill, chancellor of the Archdiocese of New York, closed the ceremony with his remarks. 

“Following the devastating fire of 2019 at Notre-Dame de Paris, Cardinal Dolan understood immediately what was at stake. He understood that Notre-Dame was not merely a structure of stone and timber. It was a living symbol of our faith, resilience, and the enduring aspirations of humanity. Through his leadership and advocacy, he helped rally support and awareness for the restoration effort, reminding so many that great cathedrals are treasures belonging not only to one nation, but to the entire world,” Cahill said. 

“In many ways, this mission deeply resonated with him because he had already led a remarkable restoration effort of his own. Under Cardinal Dolan’s leadership, he raised more than $200 million to restore and preserve St. Patrick’s Cathedral, ensuring that this extraordinary house of worship — this testament to our Catholic faith — would continue to inspire generations to come.” 

“France honors Cardinal Dolan today for helping restore one of the great cathedrals of the world. But those of us privileged to work beside him know that every day, in countless quiet ways, he helps restore people as well,” Cahill said. 

WATCH: Cardinal Dolan Attends Reopening Mass at Notre Dame Cathedral 

After the ceremony, Consul General of France in New York Cedrik Fouriscot presented Cardinal Dolan with a New York Yankees cap specially emblazoned with the flag of France on its side. 

Along with Cardinal Dolan, Ambassador Bili, Chancellor Cahill, and Consul General Fouriscot, the event was attended by Hank Greenberg, also a member of the Legion of Honour, along with Ken Langone and Ken Griffin, all of whom Cardinal Dolan identified as generous supporters of the efforts to restore Notre-Dame. Also in attendance were representatives from the archdiocese, including Vice Chancellor Eileen Mulcahy, Chief Advancement and Stewardship Officer Susan George, and Ann O’Keefe-Bave, executive director of the Office of the Cardinal. Clergy in attendance included Bishop James Massa, rector of St. Joseph’s Seminary, and Father Enrique Salvo, rector of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Remarks by His Eminence, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, upon receiving the French Legion of Honour, May 26, 2026.

Your Excellency, Ambassador Bili, your gracious counselors and staff:

Thank you for this lofty honor, never would I have dared dream to be receiving.

Might I ask you to convey my gratitude to President Emmanuel Macron?

Perhaps I most appreciate your explanation as to why I am the awestruck recipient of this distinction. When I heard the news, I wondered, why? You have enlightened me, advising me that President Macron was moved because we brought together benefactors from this city to help repair Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris after the inferno six years ago.

Well, I was indeed happy to help. But it was easy to do, as this city is celebrated for selfless people eager to assist others in recovery and rebuilding. Good folks here, like Hank Greenberg, an earlier honoree, Ken Langone and Ken Griffin, all who immediately accepted my invitation to help the eldest ally of this nation so young compared to you.

So, on behalf of those benefactors, I gratefully accept this award, as long as it’s understood I will pin this medal on the steeple of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, on the top of the Empire State Building, on the scoreboard of Yankee Stadium, and on the shoulder of the gift you gave us, the Statue of Liberty, because this medal belongs to New York City way more than to me alone!

To praise France is easy, her glories so abundant. Can I concentrate on just one? A moment ago I referred to France as the oldest ally of our still young Republic.

Yet, I admire you even more with another title historically given France, “the eldest daughter of the Church.” So, when I contemplate France with love, as I do this morning, I conjure up…St. Denis, St. Martin of Tours, St. Hilary of Poitiers, St. Joan of Arc. In my imagination I visit places such as Lisieux and the Little Flower; Ars and the cure, St. John Vianney; Margaret Mary Alacoque,  and the Sacre Coeur; Montmartre; the Rue du Bac, St. Vincent dePaul and St. Catherine Laboure; Lourdes and St. Bernadette.

To be sure, I recall greats such as Charlemagne, Lafayette (the high school in my hometown is dedicated to him), Napoleon, De Gaulle, but to be honest more often King St. Louis IX, the patron of my home archdiocese.

With others, I have been anxious about the spiritual health of the “eldest daughter of the Church,” just as I fret over the health of the younger child of the Church here in America.

No wonder my eyes moistened when, in Paris at his very kind invitation to attend the rededication of Notre Dame, President Macron told us Americans, “As the nation watched in sorrow as Notre Dame burned, all of France dropped to its knees in prayer… a prayer today answered.”

Thanks!