MIDTOWN — Mayor Bill de Blasio and Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York, met behind closed doors Monday to discuss their shared vision for how to work together on the city's most pressing issues.
De Blasio, who was baptized Catholic and sympathizes with left-leaning liberation theology, vowed to work with Dolan to try to bring Pope Francis to New York City, in what he called an “extraordinary thing” for city residents.
“We have tremendous common ground on issues of affordable housing, helping those in need through Catholic charities and so many other good works that are done by the church,” de Blasio said after the 45-minute conference at Dolan's private residence behind St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Midtown. “We share a common ground on the fundamental issue of fighting inequality and trying to help those in need.”
Dolan echoed the message of cooperation.
“I come inspired by his commitment to a lot of the issues that we’re passionate about and I come excited about working closely with him,” Dolan said.
Dolan said the two didn’t discuss religion during the meeting but indicated he would be happy to welcome de Blasio back into the fold should he be interested.
“If he ever wants to, the doors open.”
