Pope Leo XIV Appoints Ronald Hicks as Archbishop of New York

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Ronald Hicks as the new Archbishop of New York, succeeding Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who offered his resignation upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75. This appointment marks a notable shift in the leadership of one of the largest Catholic dioceses in the United States, which serves approximately 2.8 million Catholics across Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, and several surrounding counties. Hicks, 58, previously led the Diocese of Joliet in Illinois and has a background that includes significant missionary work in Latin America, particularly in El Salvador.

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Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who has been a prominent figure in the U.S. Catholic Church since 2009, was known for his conservative stance and close ties to former President Donald Trump. Dolan's tenure included public support for Trump’s policies, including his immigration stance, which has drawn criticism from various quarters, including the Catholic bishops in the U.S. Under Dolan, the archdiocese faced scrutiny for its handling of clerical sexual abuse cases, culminating in a recent announcement of a $300 million fund to settle claims from approximately 1,300 survivors.

Daily Beast

Hicks’ appointment is seen as a move towards a more moderate and inclusive approach within the Church, particularly regarding immigration and social justice issues. He has publicly supported the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' condemnation of the Trump administration's immigration policies, advocating for a balance between border security and the humane treatment of migrants. Hicks has expressed a commitment to the Church's social teachings, emphasizing human dignity and the need for meaningful immigration reform.

Newsweek

In his first remarks as Archbishop-designate, Hicks stated, “We need to address whatever wrongs and/or issues that exist and not be afraid to confront them,” referring to the Church's ongoing challenges with sexual abuse. He also reiterated the bishops' message regarding immigration, affirming solidarity with marginalized communities and calling for respect and dignity in treatment.

CNN

While Hicks is viewed as a more moderate figure compared to Dolan, some critics argue that he may not be progressive enough to address the deep divisions within the Church. Observers have noted that while Hicks is not a "woke liberal," he represents a departure from Dolan's more conservative approach, which some believe justified Trump's policies.

Reuters

Hicks is set to be installed as Archbishop of New York on February 6, 2026. His leadership will be closely watched as he navigates the complexities of the Church's relationship with the current political climate, particularly regarding immigration and the ongoing fallout from the clerical sexual abuse scandal. The effectiveness of his tenure will depend on his ability to bridge ideological divides within the Church and foster a more inclusive environment.

CNN

• “Hicks represents not just a new chapter for New York but for the American church as a whole,” — David Gibson, U.S. Church Expert

Reuters

• “We need to address whatever wrongs and/or issues that exist and not be afraid to confront them,” — Ronald Hicks, Archbishop-designate

CNN

• “It is grounded in the church’s enduring commitment to the Catholic social teaching of human dignity and a call for meaningful immigration reform.” — Ronald Hicks, on the bishops' statement regarding immigration.

Newsweek