BREAKING: Pope Leo XIV has just announced the appointment of Bishop Ronald A. Hicks of Illinois as the new Archbishop of New York, succeeding Timothy Cardinal Dolan in a move that is reshaping American Catholic leadership. This unexpected selection marks a significant moment for the Church, as it signals the pope’s vision for the future of Catholicism in the United States.
Bishop Hicks, who has led the Diocese of Joliet since 2020, represents a stark contrast to Cardinal Dolan’s high-profile tenure, which has included numerous media appearances and vocal conservative advocacy. This appointment may reflect the pope’s intent to steer the archdiocese toward a quieter, more pastoral approach.
Cardinal Dolan, who has served New York’s 2.8 million Catholics since 2009, submitted his mandatory resignation in February 2023 upon turning 75. He had anticipated a transition period of six to eight months to find his replacement. Upon stepping down, Cardinal Dolan expressed his commitment to continue serving the Church, stating, “I find obedience liberating. You just say, ‘Jesus, I trust in thee.’”
Bishop Hicks, fluent in Spanish from years of ministry in South and Central America, shares a similar background with the pope. Both hail from suburban Chicago and are known for their low-profile leadership styles. Their paths to prominence have been marked more by pastoral care than by political engagement.
“He has big shoes to fill,” remarked Catholic League president Bill Donohue in an interview with CBS News. “Cardinal Dolan is loved by New Yorkers, Catholics and non-Catholics alike. He’s one of the most courageous and honest priests I’ve ever met.”
Cardinal Dolan’s leadership during challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the restructuring of parishes, has left a lasting impact on the archdiocese. His decisions, which involved the liquidation of church properties to compensate abuse survivors and the closure of numerous schools, have shaped the Catholic landscape in New York.
As Bishop Hicks prepares to take on his new role, the implications for the archdiocese are profound. His appointment is expected to foster a renewed focus on pastoral care, potentially altering the dynamic between the Church and its congregants amid a rapidly changing cultural landscape.
The transition to Bishop Hicks’ leadership will be closely monitored, as the faithful anticipate how his approach will differ from Cardinal Dolan’s. The new archbishop’s first public appearances and initiatives will likely set the tone for his tenure and signal the direction of the archdiocese under his guidance.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as Bishop Hicks embarks on his mission to lead one of the most significant archdioceses in the country.
