Newly retired Cardinal Timothy Dolan will take on a prominent spiritual leadership role within the New York City Police Department, serving as co-chaplain alongside Brooklyn megachurch founder Rev. A.R. Bernard, officials announced Monday.

Dolan, 76, and Bernard, 72 — the founder of the Christian Cultural Center — are expected to be formally installed later this month as co-chaplains of the nation’s largest police force, according to the NYPD. Their appointments follow the death of longtime department chaplain Rabbi Alvin Kass, who served the NYPD for nearly six decades before passing away in October.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch praised the selections, describing both men as leaders of exceptional faith and moral character. In a statement, she said they exemplify the compassion, wisdom and ethical clarity officers depend on during their most challenging moments.

The announcement comes shortly after Dolan concluded nearly 17 years as head of the Archdiocese of New York, officially passing leadership to Archbishop Ronald Hicks during a ceremony at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Though born in Missouri, Dolan has long considered himself a New Yorker and confirmed he plans to remain in the city following his retirement.

A vocal supporter of law enforcement, Dolan has repeatedly expressed admiration for police officers. In a 2020 opinion piece, he urged the public not to broadly condemn officers amid nationwide protests following the killing of George Floyd, highlighting the dangers and pressures of police work.

Ordained in 1976, Dolan was appointed to the Council of Cardinals in 2012 and took part in the Vatican conclaves that elected both Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV. He told The New York Times that the chaplaincy role offers him an opportunity to return to hands-on pastoral work, calling it a meaningful way to close out his priestly career.

Bernard leads the Christian Cultural Center, based on an 11.5-acre campus in Brooklyn’s Starrett City, with additional ministry locations in Long Island, Florida and Georgia. The church has grown to more than 37,000 members, according to its website.

A respected voice in the Black Christian community, Bernard received a Distinguished Recognition Award from the NYPD Guardians Association last November. He has also been an outspoken advocate for law enforcement, publicly opposing calls to defund police and emphasizing both the risks officers face and the need for accountability and professional standards.

Together, officials said, Dolan and Bernard are expected to provide spiritual guidance and support to officers as they navigate the demands of policing in New York City.