Pope Appoints Ronald Hicks as New Archbishop of New York

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Ronald Hicks of the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois, as the new Archbishop of New York, succeeding Cardinal Timothy Dolan. This announcement follows Cardinal Dolan’s resignation, which was officially accepted by the Vatican on Thursday. Dolan had led the Archdiocese since 2009, appointed by Pope Benedict XVI.

Background and Qualifications of Ronald Hicks

Bishop Hicks, who is 58 years old, shares a similar background with Pope Leo XIV. Both were raised in suburban Chicago, with Hicks hailing from Harvey and growing up in South Holland. Their experiences include a strong commitment to serving underprivileged communities, particularly as they both speak fluent Spanish due to their missionary work in South and Central America.

After graduating from seminary in 1985, Hicks studied philosophy at Loyola University Chicago, eventually earning a master’s degree in divinity from the University of St. Mary of the Lake. He was ordained a priest in 1994. In 2005, Hicks relocated to El Salvador, where he served as regional director for an organization dedicated to caring for orphaned and abandoned children for five years. His leadership in this capacity had a significant impact on thousands of vulnerable children.

In 2020, Hicks was appointed as bishop of the Diocese of Joliet, where he has continued to make strides in community outreach and support.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s Legacy

Cardinal Dolan’s resignation was anticipated as he turned 75 years old in February 2023, which mandated him to submit his resignation to the Vatican. At the time, he indicated he expected to remain in his role for an additional six to eight months while the Pope identified a successor.

Throughout his tenure, Dolan has emerged as a prominent voice for Catholicism in the United States, guiding the Archdiocese through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership also involved difficult decisions, such as liquidating assets to fund settlements for victims of clerical sexual abuse.

Bishop Hicks now faces the task of continuing Dolan’s legacy while addressing the diverse needs of the Archdiocese of New York, one of the largest in the country. As he steps into this pivotal role, many anticipate his leadership style and vision for the future of the Archdiocese.