In a decisive move signaling a new direction for the Catholic Church in the United States, Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Ronald Hicks, currently serving the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois, as the new archbishop of New York, as reported by NBC Chicago. Hicks, a Chicago native like Pope Leo XIV, is set to succeed the retiring Cardinal Timothy Dolan—a renowned conservative voice—and take the helm of an archdiocese grappling with not only ecclesial matters but also its stance on broader social issues, notably immigration.
Dolan, who had become a prominent figure in the Catholic community, recently established a $300 million fund intended to compensate victims of sexual abuse, following his resignation submission earlier this year in compliance with the church policy mandating bishops to resign at the age of 75; the Vatican often postpones transitions for dioceses embroiled in lingering abuse litigation or governance issues until they've reached resolution, Hicks' new role was announced following the completion of this critical initiative and he will be installed as archbishop on February 6, 2026, at St. Patrick's Cathedral, continuing his service in Joliet until that time, “I have been deeply blessed to serve the people of the Diocese of Joliet,” Hicks said, in a quote obtained by NBC Chicago, “I will carry the faith, generosity, and the spirit of this diocese with me as I begin this new chapter of ministry."
Hicks' background includes five years managing a church-run orphanage program in El Salvador, showcasing his dedication to humanitarian work and solidifying his standing as an advocate for immigration reform; in November, Hicks endorsed the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' message condemning immigration raids, emphasizing solidarity, and echoing Pope Leo's proactive stance on these critical issues, “It affirms our solidarity with all our brothers and sisters as it expresses our concerns, opposition, and hopes with clarity and conviction," Hicks stated, in a sentiment captured by an NBC News report.
Furthermore, Hicks shares a personal connection with Pope Leo XIV, having both grown up in proximity in Chicago, forging a shared experience that has shaped their perspectives and priorities. "We grew up literally in the same radius, in the same neighborhood together. We played in the same parks, went swimming in the same pools, like the same pizza places," Hicks told Chicago WGN-TV news in an interview relayed by NBC Chicago; this bond, coupled with his record of service and alignment with the pope's vision, presumably contributed to his selection for the New York post.
Hicks' forthcoming challenge includes carrying out the abuse settlement fund actions initiated by Dolan, reducing the archdiocesan budget and, liquidating assets to address the approximately 1,300 abuse claims filed against the archdiocese; Hicks is familiar with the somber task of confronting the church's abuse scandals from his tenure in Joliet, where a state attorney general report found systemic abuses yet recognized the diocese's current policies for child protection – a nuanced legacy he inherits and must now navigate in America's most populous city, as per information highlighted by NBC News.
