Francis Spellman (1889-1967) was the archbishop of New York (1939-1967) and vicar of the United States Armed Forces. Among his better known writings are The Road to Victory (1942) and his best-selling novel The Foundling (1951).
In 1925 Spellman became first American assistant to the papal secretariat of state. In 1931 he successfully smuggled Pius XI's Non Abbiamo Bisogno, an antifascist encyclical, out of Italy. The letter was printed and distributed by the Associated Press and United Press.
Spellman's work mobilizing American Catholics behind World War II was recognized by Pius XII, who appointed him cardinal in 1946. In 1949 he bitterly debated Eleanor Roosevelt over the merits of federal funding for parochial schools. A supporter of Senator McCarthy and later the Vietnam War, he was also a major figure in the Vatican's Second Council. Spellman repeatedly asked for the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Vatican, something which did not happen until 1984.
Francis Spellman appears in the following:
Fordham University, N.Y.C. Alumni Dinner
Thursday, February 02, 1961
Celebration of 50th anniversary of Cardinal Spellman's graduation. Speakers: Emile Cardinal Leqer, Archbishop of Montreal; Malcolm Wilson, Lt. Gov. of N.Y; Francis Cardinal Spellman, Archbishop of New York; Robert Moses, President of Worlds Fair Corp; and Laurence McGinley, President and Rector of Fordham University.
Spellman's speech centers ...
U.S. Coast Guard Dedication of W.W. II Memorial
Monday, May 30, 1955
American Federation of Labor [Day 1]
Wednesday, September 17, 1952
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Opening session of the 71st annual convention of the American Federation of Labor.
Cardinal Spellman delivers the invocation.
Martin Lacey, teamster leader, welcomes ...
Dedication Ceremony for the New U.S.O Center
Wednesday, September 26, 1951
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
The National Catholic Service dedication for the first United Service Organization club house in New York City since the reactivation of the USO.
Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives ...
Dedication of St. Claire's Hospital
Friday, June 29, 1951
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Ceremonies marking the dedication and blessing of the new nurses' school and residence of St. Claire's Hospital in Manhattan. Also the 50th anniversary of religious life Sister Mary Alice. Reporter David ...
Unveiling of Statue of San Martin
Friday, May 25, 1951
Speakers: Robert Moses; Vincent Impellitteri,.
A WNYC announcer introduces the program, the unveiling of the statue of the liberator of Argentina, Peru, and Chile, Jose de San Martin at the base of Central Park at 59th st and the newly christened Avenue of the Americans. Attendees include Mayor ...
The World Stood Still : Tribute to President Roosevelt
Wednesday, April 12, 1950
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
The sounds of people dancing and laughing are overcome by the sounds of bombs.. "the world stood still." The death of President Roosevelt (1945-04-12).
Vignettes of people reacting ...
Cardinal Spellman
Wednesday, January 04, 1950
