On December 18, 2025, a major shift took place in the leadership of the American Catholic Church, as Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Ronald Hicks of Joliet, Illinois, as the next archbishop of New York. This decision follows the formal resignation of Timothy Cardinal Dolan, who reached the Church’s mandatory retirement age of 75 earlier this year and submitted his retirement letter to the Vatican in accordance with longstanding tradition.
For the 2.8 million Catholics in the Archdiocese of New York, this change marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter. Cardinal Dolan, who has served nearly 17 years in one of the most high-profile positions in American Catholicism, leaves behind a complex legacy of evangelism, political engagement, and controversy. In his farewell letter to the faithful, Dolan wrote, "As the Angel said to the shepherds, I bring you tidings of great joy! Today, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has appointed the Most Reverend Ronald Hicks, Bishop of the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois, as the new Archbishop of New York." He added, "Please know that I love you, and that it has been a joy to serve as Archbishop of New York these past nearly 17 years."
The appointment of Archbishop-designate Hicks, age 58, comes at a pivotal moment for both the Church and the city. Born and raised in Illinois, Hicks was ordained in 1994, became Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago in 2018, and was named Bishop of Joliet in 2020. His career has been marked by a commitment to social justice and pastoral care, most notably during his five years in El Salvador, where he ran a home that has cared for over 20,000 orphaned and abandoned children since 1954. "It was a beautiful mission. I was really happy to do that," Hicks reflected on his time in Central America.
Hicks’ background is strikingly similar to that of Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, who also grew up in the Chicago area and spent years as a missionary in Latin America. The two men, as Hicks put it, "grew up literally in the same radius, in the same neighborhood together. We played in the same parks, went swimming in the same pools, liked the same pizza places. I mean, it’s that real." This shared experience has fostered a personal connection and may influence the direction of the Church in New York.
The New York State Catholic Conference greeted the news with enthusiasm. Executive director Dennis Poust stated, "We joyfully welcome Archbishop-designate Ronald Hicks as the new metropolitan Archbishop of New York. Archbishop-designate Hicks is known as a man of deep faith, strong intellect, and a pastoral love for those in his spiritual care." Poust also expressed gratitude for Cardinal Dolan’s 16 years of leadership, calling him "the Church’s best evangelist" and praising his infectious joy and abiding faith.
Hicks steps into his new role at a time of significant challenge and change for the Archdiocese. Just last week, the Archdiocese sold off real estate to help compensate survivors of sexual abuse, and it has set aside $300 million to potentially resolve ongoing claims. Hicks, acknowledging the pain and difficulty of this work, emphasized, "As a church, we can never rest in our efforts to prevent abuse, to protect children and to care for survivors. While this work is challenging, it’s difficult, it’s painful, I hope it will continue to help in the areas of accountability, transparency and healing." The archdiocese is also grappling with a priest shortage, a reality shared by dioceses across the United States.
In addition to these internal challenges, Hicks is expected to bring a more outspoken approach to immigration issues—a topic that has grown increasingly contentious in recent years. According to CNN, Hicks recently made a statement on immigration, "expressing our solidarity with all our brothers and sisters," and responded to a rare intervention from U.S. bishops criticizing the White House’s immigration policies. His background working with migrants and the marginalized in Latin America, coupled with the growing influence of Hispanic Catholics in the U.S., positions Hicks as a voice for inclusivity and social justice.
Hicks’ leadership style is characterized by moderation and bridge-building. Michael Sean Winters, a Catholic commentator, described him as a "good listener and bridge builder who will follow Leo’s lead," noting that Hicks "had no culture war temperament." Winters further explained that Hicks is "committed to the social teachings of the church—including concern for the marginalized, support for unions and tackling economic injustices—a feature of Catholicism in Chicago which has a long history of Catholic social action."
Hicks is also seen as more progressive than his predecessor, particularly on issues such as the eligibility of politicians for communion. He has opposed moves by some U.S. bishops to bar President Joe Biden from receiving communion due to his support for legal abortion, instead advocating for dialogue and unity within the Church. Elise Allen, a biographer of Pope Leo XIV, remarked that Hicks is "a step to the left of Cardinal Timothy Dolan, but he’s by no means a hardline progressive." She explained, "The pope is not looking for conservatives or progressives when it comes to episcopal appointments…He wants guys who will share his priorities but who fundamentally bring a stance of balance."
Cardinal Dolan’s legacy remains influential. He has been a prominent figure both within the Church and in the broader American public square, known for his skilled communication and pastoral touch. Dolan maintained relationships across the political spectrum and was notably warmer toward President Donald Trump than Pope Francis had been, even leading prayers at Trump’s inaugurations. However, Dolan also faced criticism for his handling of clerical sexual abuse cases, particularly during his time in Milwaukee, where he was accused of prioritizing the Church’s financial interests. Dolan has consistently argued that he followed legal and canonical advice and has supported robust anti-abuse policies as standards have evolved.
Hicks will be installed as the 14th bishop and 11th archbishop of New York on February 6, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Until then, Cardinal Dolan will serve as apostolic administrator of the archdiocese. The appointment is widely seen as the most significant in the U.S. by Pope Leo XIV since his election in May 2025, and, given the importance of the New York post, Hicks is expected to be elevated to cardinal in the future.
As Hicks prepares to take the helm, he remains characteristically humble and open. At the press conference announcing his appointment, he quipped, "I think what you’re going to see in me is that I love all people. However, I need to add a controversial statement: I’m a Cubs fan and I love deep-dish pizza." It’s a lighthearted admission, but one that hints at his approachable style—a quality that may serve him well as he leads New York’s Catholics through a period of transition and renewal.
With a reputation for compassion, bridge-building, and a steadfast commitment to the Church’s social mission, Archbishop-designate Hicks steps into a role that will test his skills and convictions. The eyes of New York—and indeed, the wider Catholic world—will be watching as he begins this new journey.
