Pope Leo XIV Appoints Ronald Hicks as New Archbishop of New York

Pope Leo XIV has announced the appointment of Bishop Ronald Hicks of the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois, to succeed Cardinal Timothy Dolan as the new Archbishop of New York. This decision comes after Cardinal Dolan submitted his resignation earlier this year, a standard procedure upon reaching the age of 75. The Vatican confirmed the acceptance of Dolan’s resignation on Thursday.

The transition marks a significant moment for the Archdiocese of New York, which has been under Dolan’s leadership since 2009. Dolan, appointed by Pope Benedict XVI, has been a prominent figure in American Catholicism, navigating the Church through various challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and financial settlements related to past sex abuse cases.

Background of Ronald Hicks

Bishop Hicks, age 58, shares a similar background with Pope Leo XIV, having been born and raised in suburban Chicago. Hicks was born in Harvey and grew up in South Holland. Both men are fluent in Spanish, reflecting their commitment to serving diverse communities, including their experiences in South America and Central America.

Hicks graduated from seminary in 1985 after studying philosophy at Loyola University Chicago. He later earned a master’s degree in divinity from the University of St. Mary of the Lake. Ordained in 1994, Hicks has dedicated much of his ministry to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.

In 2005, he relocated to El Salvador, where he served as regional director for an organization focused on caring for thousands of orphaned and abandoned children. His extensive experience in pastoral care and community service culminated in his appointment as bishop of the Diocese of Joliet in 2020.

Cardinal Dolan’s Legacy and Transition

Cardinal Dolan’s resignation came as no surprise, following his 75th birthday in February 2023, which mandated his submission of resignation to the Vatican. At that time, Dolan estimated he would remain in his role for another six to eight months while the Pope appointed his successor.

Over his 16 years as Archbishop of New York, Dolan has emerged as a leading voice for the Catholic Church in the United States. He has been instrumental in guiding the Archdiocese through significant crises and has often advocated for social justice issues. Under his leadership, the Archdiocese undertook difficult decisions, including the sale of assets to fund settlements for victims of clerical abuse.

As Ronald Hicks prepares to take on this influential role, he steps into a position that will require both compassion and strong leadership. The Archdiocese of New York, one of the largest in the country, faces ongoing challenges and opportunities as it continues to serve a diverse and dynamic congregation.

This appointment represents a new chapter for both Hicks and the Archdiocese, with expectations for continued advocacy and service to the community in the spirit of the Catholic faith.