Cardinal Edward Michael Egan, Archbishop emeritus of New York, USA, was born on 2 April 1932 in Oak Park (Illinois), USA. He was ordained for the Archdiocese of Chicago on 15 December 1957 and holds a licentiate in theology and a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome.
After serving as a curate at Holy Name Cathedral and as secretary to Cardinal Albert Meyer (1958-60), he was assistant vice-rector of the North American College (1960-64). On returning to Chicago he was vice-chancellor (1964-68) and co-chancellor for human relations and ecumenism (1968-72). From 1972 to 1985 he was a Prelate Auditor of the Roman Rota and taught judicial practice at the Studio Rotale and the Gregorian University.
On 1 April 1985 he was appointed titular Bishop of Allegheny and Auxiliary of New York, receiving episcopal ordination on 22 May. He was transferred to the residential see of Bridgeport on 5 November 1988 and promoted to Archbishop of New York on 11 May 2000.
Relator General for the 10th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops (October 2001).
Archbishop emeritus of New York, 23 February 2009.
He participated in the conclave of April 2005, which elected Pope Benedict XVI.
Created and proclaimed Cardinal by St. John Paul II in the consistory of 21 February 2001, of the Title of Ss. Giovanni e Paolo (Sts. John and Paul).
Cardinal Edward Michael Egan died on 5 March 2015.