Meet NY's New Archbishop: Ronald Hicks Takes the Lead

Sun Dec 21 2025 15:53:43 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Pope Leo XIV has named Ronald Hicks as the new Archbishop of New York, succeeding Cardinal Timothy Dolan in a significant transition for the Catholic Church in America.

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Ronald Hicks of Joliet as the new Archbishop of New York. At 58, Hicks takes over from the well-known Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who is retiring. Hicks has a strong background in social issues, particularly immigration, and is expected to carry forward a progressive vision for the archdiocese. His past experiences mirror those of Pope Leo, and he aims to address challenges such as clergy abuse while leading over 2.5 million Catholics in one of the USA's largest cities.

Pope Leo XIV has named Bishop Aldon Ronald Hicks, who hails from the Chicago area, as the next archbishop of New York.

At 58, Hicks will guide one of the most significant and populous Catholic posts in the U.S., stepping in for retiring Cardinal Timothy Dolan, 75. Dolan was a prominent figure known for his conservative ties to former President Donald Trump. Hicks expressed his readiness for the role, calling his appointment an 'open heart' opportunity, while Dolan regarded it as 'an early Christmas gift' for the people of New York.

In recent discussions, Hicks joined his fellow bishops in opposing large-scale immigration arrests carried out under the Trump administration, advocating for greater compassion and reform in immigration policies.

His early life and career resonate with Pope Leo's journey, including work at an orphanage in El Salvador from 2005 to 2010, reflecting their shared missions as church leaders. Hicks is a strong advocate for immigrants and has been vocal about the Church's responsibility to protect human dignity.

As he prepares to lead 2.5 million Catholics at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Hicks will officially take on his role on February 6, 2026. The transition follows Cardinal Dolan's announcement of a $300 million fund to address clergy sex abuse, which Hicks pledged to handle with accountability and care.

Cardinal Dolan, who has served in New York for about 16 years, will be passing on a transformative legacy that includes engagement in social issues and a commitment to transparency in church governance.