Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Ronald Hicks as the next archbishop of New York, marking a significant leadership change in one of the largest U.S. Catholic archdioceses. The 58-year-old Hicks, currently bishop of Joliet, Illinois, will succeed Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who is retiring at age 75 after 16 years in the role.
The appointment was announced on Thursday, with Hicks expressing acceptance with an ‘open heart’ and Dolan calling it an ‘early Christmas gift’ for New Yorkers. Hicks and Pope Leo share a Chicago upbringing and both have extensive experience in Latin America, where Hicks worked at an orphanage in El Salvador from 2005 to 2010. This background aligns with the pope’s focus on immigrant issues, a theme central to Hicks’ pastoral work.
Hicks has been vocal about immigration concerns, endorsing a U.S. bishops’ letter condemning the Trump administration’s immigration raids. In a statement, he emphasized solidarity with immigrants and called for meaningful reform rooted in Catholic social teaching. His stance contrasts with Dolan’s more conservative profile, though Dolan has also engaged with LGBTQ+ outreach and charity events.
Cardinal Dolan, known for his ties to former President Donald Trump, led prayers at Trump’s inaugurations and was appointed to the Religious Liberty Commission. However, Dolan recently finalized a $300 million fund to settle clergy sex abuse claims, a legacy issue that Hicks will now oversee. The fund aims to address approximately 1,300 outstanding abuse cases, reflecting ongoing efforts toward accountability and healing.
Hicks’ appointment comes as the U.S. Catholic Church navigates complex relations with the Trump administration, particularly on immigration. The bishops’ condemnation of raids in Chicago, where Hicks served, highlights the church’s advocacy for vulnerable populations. Hicks’ experience in Illinois, including managing abuse scandal fallout, prepares him for similar challenges in New York.
The New York archdiocese serves about 2.5 million Catholics in Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, and seven northern counties. Hicks will be officially installed at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on February 6, 2026, taking over a prominent position in American Catholicism. His leadership is expected to continue the progressive leanings seen under Pope Leo, focusing on social justice and immigrant rights.
This transition represents a new chapter for the archdiocese, balancing tradition with contemporary issues. Hicks’ background in seminary training and parish work, coupled with his Latin American experience, positions him to address both pastoral and political dimensions of the role. As the first American pope’s appointee, Hicks symbolizes a shift toward a more globally engaged U.S. church.
Looking ahead, Hicks will need to implement the abuse settlement fund while fostering unity amid divisive political climates. His appointment underscores the Vatican’s strategy of placing leaders with shared values in key positions, potentially influencing broader church-state dynamics in the United States.
