Cardinal Timothy Dolan is stepping down as the Archbishop of New York, a position he held for 16 years, overseeing over two million Roman Catholics in the region. Bishop Ronald Hicks from Joliet, Illinois, has been named by Pope Leo XIV as Dolan's successor. According to Gothamist, Dolan offered his resignation on reaching 75 years of age in February, with the New York Archdiocese confirming that Pope Leo made the appointment Thursday.
Dolan's departure and Hicks' arrival come at a time when the New York archdiocese faces financial and social challenges. With a burden of a $300 million fund to compensate survivors of sexual abuse, the archdiocese recently announced the sale of property beneath the Palace Hotel for $490 million. "I am grateful to Pope Leo for appointing such a splendid priest and bishop to serve you, and have pledged to the archbishop-designate my fidelity and full cooperation, as he will now be my archbishop as well," said Dolan, in a written message to Catholics across the community, as reported by Gothamist.
In an emotionally charged ceremony, Cardinal Dolan gave a heartfelt welcome to Hicks at St. Patrick's Cathedral. "New York is a warm, welcoming city. They will love you and you will come to love them", Dolan advised his successor, reflecting on the advice he himself received years ago. In his speech, Hicks acknowledged the complexities ahead, noting, "these are complex and challenging days, especially as we face issues of life, faith, justice, peace, and healing," he shared with reporters during an introduction obtained by the New York Post.
Hicks, who was ordained in 1994 and served as bishop of Joliet since 2020, brings a background as a missionary in El Salvador and an affinity with the local Chicago area, from where Pope Leo XIV also hails. The Church's ongoing financial strategies to address abuse claims remain a primary concern for Hicks, "I’m committed to learning about the issues before our church, including the funds the archdiocese has set aside to help resolve sexual abuse claims," said Hicks, according to an interview with the New York Post. Amid the transition, survivor groups have reached out to Pope Leo, underscoring the personal and profound impact the leadership change could have on the ongoing settlement process.
