BREAKING: In a landmark decision, Pope Leo XIV has officially named Bishop Ronald Hicks as the new archbishop of New York, effective immediately. This appointment comes as the archdiocese faces critical challenges, including managing relations with the Trump administration amidst ongoing immigration issues.
The Vatican’s announcement today marks a significant moment for the U.S. Catholic Church as Hicks, currently the bishop of Joliet, Illinois, steps in to replace the retiring Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Dolan, a key conservative figure, had been in the role since 2009 and recently finalized a controversial $300 million fund aimed at compensating victims of sexual abuse.
Hicks, 58, known for his progressive stance, has a background that resonates with the current Pope’s vision. He previously led a church-run orphanage program in El Salvador and has been vocal about immigration reform. Just last November, he publicly condemned the Trump administration’s immigration raids, declaring, “We affirm our solidarity with all our brothers and sisters.”
The archdiocese of New York serves approximately 2.5 million Catholics across Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island, making it one of the largest in the nation. This leadership change is expected to usher in a new chapter, particularly as the Catholic community grapples with ongoing abuse litigation and the fallout from past scandals.
Hicks has experience dealing with such complexities, having taken the helm of the Joliet diocese in 2020, where he faced scrutiny following a state attorney general’s report that highlighted significant abuse cases within the Illinois Catholic Church.
Rev. Eusebius Martis, a longtime acquaintance of Hicks, expressed confidence in his new role, stating, “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.”
The transition follows Cardinal Dolan’s required resignation upon turning 75, and the Vatican has a history of delaying such appointments until pressing issues are resolved. With Hicks at the forefront, the archdiocese is poised to tackle the implementation of the abuse settlement fund, which aims to address approximately 1,300 outstanding abuse claims against the church.
This appointment is not just about leadership; it represents a shift in the church’s approach to contemporary issues. Hicks, who grew up in South Holland, Illinois—a stone’s throw from Pope Leo’s own childhood neighborhood—brings a shared background and a commitment to building bridges within the community.
As the new archbishop, Hicks inherits a legacy of influence and challenge. He will need to navigate the complexities of the Catholic Church’s role in modern society, including issues of human dignity and immigration reform, both of which have been central to the current papacy.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on Hicks as he addresses the pressing needs of his archdiocese and fosters a new era of engagement with both the faithful and the broader society. The community is eagerly anticipating how his leadership will unfold in the coming weeks and months.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
