URGENT UPDATE: In a pivotal announcement today, Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Ronald Hicks as the new archbishop of New York, succeeding the retiring Cardinal Timothy Dolan. This marks one of the Pope’s most significant U.S. appointments to date, as the archdiocese navigates complex issues, including ongoing relations with the Trump administration amid an immigration crackdown.
Bishop Ronald Hicks, currently the bishop of Joliet, Illinois, takes over leadership of an archdiocese serving approximately 2.5 million Catholics across Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, and surrounding counties. The appointment comes just days after Cardinal Dolan finalized a controversial $300 million fund to compensate victims of sexual abuse associated with the archdiocese, highlighting the urgent need for reform and healing.
Hicks, 58, is known for his progressive stance on issues, including his vocal condemnation of immigration raids targeting vulnerable communities. Last November, he endorsed a statement from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops that expressed solidarity with immigrant communities. “Taking a new position as archbishop of New York is an enormous responsibility, but I can honestly say that Bishop Hicks is up to the task,” stated Rev. Eusebius Martis, a long-time acquaintance of Hicks.
The appointment symbolizes a significant shift in the U.S. Catholic Church, moving away from the conservative legacy of Dolan, who has been a prominent figure in American Catholicism. Cardinal Dolan, known for his connections to the Republican Party, hosted high-profile events, including the annual Al Smith dinner, which has historically brought together political candidates from both parties.
Hicks has deep roots in the Chicago area, where he grew up in South Holland, Illinois. Like Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost, Hicks has dedicated much of his career to serving marginalized communities, including five years leading a church-run orphanage program in El Salvador. Their shared backgrounds have fostered a strong connection, with Hicks noting, “We grew up literally in the same radius… We played in the same parks, went swimming in the same pools.”
As he steps into this new role, Hicks will be tasked with overseeing the implementation of the abuse settlement fund, which aims to resolve 1,300 outstanding abuse claims against the archdiocese. This responsibility is particularly pressing given the recent investigation by the Illinois Attorney General, which uncovered that 451 clergy members abused 1,997 children between 1950 and 2019.
Hicks’ appointment is seen as a move towards a more inclusive and responsive leadership style, aligning with the current Pope’s vision of a church that actively engages with social issues. The world is watching as Bishop Hicks prepares to lead one of the most influential archdioceses in the country during a time of significant transformation and challenge.
Next Steps: As the archdiocese prepares for this leadership transition, attention will be focused on how Hicks approaches the urgent issues of abuse settlements and immigration policy, both critical to the future of the Catholic Church in America.
This appointment not only reshapes the leadership of the New York archdiocese but may also signal a broader shift in the Catholic Church’s response to contemporary societal challenges. Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops.
