The Roman Catholic Church in New York underwent a leadership change as Archbishop Ronald Hicks assumed his position as head of one of the largest archdioceses in the United States. Appointed by Pope Leo XIV, Hicks succeeds Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Gothamist reported that Hicks’s installation at St. Patrick’s Cathedral took place without the traditional white smoke, with formal ceremonies planned for today.
Hicks, formerly the bishop of the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois, succeeds Cardinal Dolan, who served for nearly 17 years. At a press conference, Hicks outlined his priorities for the Church, including fostering faith among the next generation and supporting an engaged community. He also noted an interest in local culture, mentioning a shared appreciation with Pope Leo for Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Gothamist reported that Hicks said, "I have never met a pizza that I don’t like. I look forward to continuing that debate while living here."
The ceremonial transfer of leadership included symbolic elements, with Hicks knocking three times on the cathedral doors before the reading of the Papal letter of installation. David Gibson, Director of Religion and Culture at Fordham University, told NBC New York that the act reflects the importance of symbols in Catholicism. Following the reading, Hicks is set to preside over his first Mass and homily in the archdiocese, which serves more than two million members.
Hicks’s appointment as New York’s first new archbishop in 14 years has drawn attention from the city’s Catholic community. Speaking to NBC New York, David Gibson compared the installation ceremony to a presidential inauguration in terms of its historical significance. While Cardinal Dolan has stepped down, he retains his red hat and the right to vote in a Papal Conclave until he turns eighty. Gibson also noted that Hicks will need to wait before participating in certain formal duties. Visitors to St. Patrick’s Cathedral have commented on the widespread impact of the archbishop’s presence.
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