New York's archbishop: Democratic Party has abandoned Catholics

NEW YORK (FOX5NY) - The Catholic Archbishop of New York says the Democratic party is abandoning Catholics  He says issues widely embraced by Catholics are no longer supported by the party, including the right to life of the baby in the womb and the needs of poor and middle-class children in Catholic schools.

In an interview on Fox 5's Good Day New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan said, "I come from Democratic roots and I long for the day I can return with a bit little more sympathy."

Cardinal Dolan says the "big tent" of the Democratic Party now is more of a pup tent.

"I thought, of all parties, they would had have sensitivity," Cardinal Dolan said.  "They historically have been for the underdog."

Cardinal Dolan says Democratic opposition to tuition tax credits to help fund Catholic schools is hurting those who are trapped in underperforming schools.

"For many it is the only way out of poverty and an inferior education," he said.  "You think they would be for the poor kids in the schools...and they are not."

He also mentioned  Rep. Dan Lipinski, who won re-election despite being blacklisted by his own party for his position on abortion.

"It hounded me, like in Chicago, where this pure-bred Democrat who had been in 16 years in Congress and his only mistake as far as Democrats were concerned is that he is pro-life and they wouldn't back him," Cardinal Dolan said.

Cardinal Dolan admits has has received criticism since he wrote a Wall Street Journal op-ed laying out his disappointment with the Democratic party but noted that he as also been critical of the Republican party in the past.

Cardinal Dolan started Holy Week by visiting prisoners at a New York jail.  He confirmed 8 prisoners into the Catholic church.