Story perspectives

Pope Appoints Ronald Hicks as Archbishop of New York

12/21/2025

Center

Hicks Leads Archdiocese

Key Information: Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Ronald Hicks Archbishop of New York, succeeding Cardinal Timothy Dolan who resigned at 75.
Hicks, 58, previously led the Diocese of Joliet and is known for a pro-migrant stance.
He will be installed on February 6, 2026.
Hicks will address the archdiocese's $300 million fund for survivors of clerical sexual abuse.
The appointment signals a shift toward more moderate U.S. Catholic leadership.

Right

Moth Takes Leadership

Archbishop Richard Moth, Archbishop of Westminster, has been appointed by Pope Leo XIV to succeed Cardinal Vincent Nichols who recently turned 80.
Moth, 67, previously served as Bishop of the Armed Forces and has a background in social justice and ecclesiastical management.
His installation is scheduled for February 14, 2026.
The Westminster archdiocese serves about 450,000 Catholics across 212 parishes, and Moth must support clergy amid declining vocations.

History

Historical Context

In 2002, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops established the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in response to widespread clerical sexual abuse, resulting in over $3 billion in settlements for survivors. The recent appointments of Bishops Hicks and Moth signal a shift towards moderate leadership, focusing on social justice as the Church faces declining vocations and significant challenges ahead.

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Hicks Leads Archdiocese

Key Information: Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Ronald Hicks Archbishop of New York, succeeding Cardinal Timothy Dolan who resigned at 75.
Hicks, 58, previously led the Diocese of Joliet and is known for a pro-migrant stance.
He will be installed on February 6, 2026.
Hicks will address the archdiocese's $300 million fund for survivors of clerical sexual abuse.
The appointment signals a shift toward more moderate U.S. Catholic leadership.

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