UPDATE: In a surprising move, Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Ronald A. Hicks from the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois, as the new Archbishop of New York. This announcement marks a significant shift in leadership within one of the most prominent positions in American Catholicism, succeeding Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who has held the role since 2009.
This selection is particularly notable as it is Pope Leo XIV‘s first major decision impacting the U.S. church, emphasizing a potential new direction for American Catholicism. Both the pope and Bishop Hicks share humble beginnings as Midwestern bishops, with a focus on pastoral care rather than public image. Their connections run deep, as both were born and raised in suburban Chicago and are fluent in Spanish, having served in South and Central America.
Bishop Hicks, who has led the Diocese of Joliet since 2020, is known for his reserved style, contrasting sharply with the outgoing Cardinal Dolan‘s high-profile and often politically charged tenure. During Dolan’s leadership, he became a prominent voice for Catholicism in America, even navigating the church through the COVID-19 pandemic and addressing significant issues, including clergy abuse settlements and the closure of schools and churches.
In response to this transition, Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League, expressed his sentiments over the leadership change, stating, “To fill the shoes of Cardinal Dolan, good luck to the new archbishop of New York. [He] is certainly loved by New Yorkers, and I don’t mean just by Catholics. He’s one of the most courageous and honest priests I’ve ever met in my life.”
Cardinal Dolan submitted his mandatory resignation to the Vatican in February 2023 upon turning 75, expecting to remain in place for an additional six to eight months while his successor was selected. Following his official departure, he has committed to serving the church in any capacity required, maintaining his rank and voting privileges in papal conclaves until age 80.
“I find obedience liberating. People say, ‘What are you going to do?’ I don’t really know. It ain’t my decision,” Cardinal Dolan remarked after his resignation. “You just say, ‘Jesus, I trust in thee. And, Holy Father, I trust in you.’”
As Bishop Hicks steps into this crucial role, all eyes will be on how he navigates the challenges ahead, especially in a city with a Catholic population of approximately 2.8 million. With a focus on pastoral care and community engagement, Hicks’ leadership style may signal a shift towards a more inclusive approach within the archdiocese.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds, impacting both the local community in New York and the broader landscape of American Catholicism.
