Bishop Ronald Hicks ascends: New Archbishop of New York after Cardinal Dolan's tenure
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Dec 18, 2025, 20:57 IST
In a significant move, Pope Leo XIV has named Bishop Ronald Hicks as the new leader of the Archdiocese of New York, succeeding Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Hailing from Chicago, Hicks steps into a complex environment, marked by the need to navigate relations with the current administration and a substantial $300 million compensation fund for abuse survivors.
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Ronald Hicks, a fellow Chicagoan and the current bishop of Joliet, Illinois, as the next archbishop of New York. This significant appointment places Hicks at the helm of one of the largest U.S. archdioceses as it navigates complex issues including relations with the Trump administration and its immigration policies, and the aftermath of a $300 million fund established to compensate victims of sexual abuse. Hicks, seen as a bishop in the mold of Pope Leo XIV, takes over from the retiring Cardinal Timothy Dolan.
Bishop Ronald Hicks, the current bishop of Joliet, Illinois, has been named the next archbishop of New York by Pope Leo XIV. This appointment marks a key U.S. nomination for the American pontiff. Hicks will lead one of the largest U.S. archdioceses. The archdiocese faces challenges in its relations with the Trump administration, particularly concerning its immigration crackdown.
Hicks replaces the retiring Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Dolan is a prominent conservative figure within the U.S. Catholic hierarchy. Last week, Dolan finalized a plan to establish a $300 million fund. This fund is intended to compensate victims of sexual abuse who had sued the archdiocese.
Hicks addressed the issue of abuse during his news conference on Thursday.
“As a church, we can never rest in our efforts to prevent abuse, to protect children and to care for survivors,” he said. “While this work is challenging, its difficult, its painful, I hope it will continue to help in the areas of accountability, transparency and healing.”
Cardinal Dolan had submitted his resignation in February. This is a requirement when a bishop turns 75. However, the Vatican often delays significant leadership changes in dioceses. This is particularly true if there is ongoing abuse litigation or other governance matters that need resolution by the outgoing bishop.
The handover signifies a new chapter for the U.S. Catholic Church. This new era is shaped by Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope. Leo and the U.S. hierarchy have already demonstrated a willingness to challenge the Trump administration. This includes stances on immigration and other issues. Bishop Hicks is widely regarded as a bishop who aligns with Pope Leo XIV's approach.
“I accept this appointment with humility and an open heart," Hicks said. "I ask for your support and your prayers, and I ask God to support us as always.”
Cardinal Dolan referred to Hicks as "an early Christmas gift for the Archdiocese." He stated that he did not know Hicks before his selection as his successor. Dolan expressed his growing affection and trust for Hicks since learning of the appointment.
“The last week, since I found out, I’ve gotten to know him, and I already love him and appreciate him and trust him.”
Bishop Hicks, aged 58, grew up in South Holland, Illinois. This is a short distance from the suburban Chicago childhood home of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Prevost.
Similar to Pope Leo XIV, who spent 20 years as a missionary in Peru, Hicks also has extensive experience in Latin America. He worked for five years in El Salvador. There, he headed a church-run orphanage program. This program operated across nine Latin American and Caribbean countries. Hicks expressed his excitement about getting to know the New York area and its residents. He also made a lighthearted, albeit potentially controversial, statement about his Chicago roots.
He jokingly noted his allegiance to the Cubs and his love for deep-dish pizza.
The Reverend Eusebius Martis, who has known Hicks since the mid-1980s, expressed confidence in his ability to handle the new role. Martis worked with Hicks at Mundelein Seminary, the Chicago archdiocesan seminary.
“Taking a new position as archbishop of New York is an enormous responsibility, but I can honestly say that Bishop Hicks is up to the task,” said the Rev. Eusebius Martis.
Martis believes New York is fortunate to have Hicks. He described him as a wonderful man. Martis highlighted Hicks' thoughtful nature and attentiveness to the needs of seminarians. Martis is a professor of sacramental theology at the Pontifical Liturgical Institute of Sant’Anselmo, the Benedictine University in Rome.
In November, Hicks publicly endorsed a special message from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. This message condemned the Trump administration’s immigration raids. These raids had particularly targeted Chicago.
In a statement urging Catholics to share the message, Hicks emphasized its significance.
It “affirms our solidarity with all our brothers and sisters as it expresses our concerns, opposition, and hopes with clarity and conviction. It is grounded in the church’s enduring commitment to the Catholic social teaching of human dignity and a call for meaningful immigration reform.”
Hicks and Pope Leo XIV share a similar hometown background. However, they only met in 2024. This occurred when then-Cardinal Prevost visited one of Hicks’ parishes. They participated in a public question-and-answer session.
Hicks, who was seated in the front pew, recalled learning about the kind of pope Leo would be that day. He stated he was impressed by both Leo's public remarks and their subsequent private conversation. Hicks shared details of their meeting with local Chicago WGN-TV news after Leo's election in May.
“Five minutes turned into 10 minutes and the 10 minutes turned into 15 and the 15 turned into 20,” Hicks told local Chicago WGN-TV news after Leo’s May election.
He recognized their shared backgrounds and priorities. These included a mutual desire to build bridges.
“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 previously served as a parish priest in Chicago. He also held the position of dean of training at Mundelein Seminary. In 2015, Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich appointed him vicar general of the archdiocese. Three years later, Hicks was made an auxiliary bishop. In 2020, Pope Francis named him bishop of Joliet. He served approximately 520,000 Catholics across seven counties in that role.
Cardinal Cupich, often viewed as a progressive figure in the U.S. church, has been a close advisor to both Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV. Hicks' appointment to such a prominent position likely benefited from Cupich's endorsement.
The Archdiocese of New York is one of the largest in the United States. It serves roughly 2.5 million Catholics. Its territory encompasses Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island in New York City. It also includes seven counties to the north of the city.
Cardinal Dolan is known for his gregarious personality. He is one of the most high-profile Catholic leaders in the United States. He is also a prominent voice within New York City.
Dolan is widely considered a conservative figure. He authored a 2018 Wall Street Journal column titled “The Democrats Abandon Catholics.” However, in 2023, he also extended a letter of welcome to a conference at Fordham University. This conference celebrated outreach programs aimed at LGBTQ+ Catholics. He also welcomed LGBTQ+ participation in the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Cardinal Dolan has established ties with the current Republican administration. As archbishop of New York, Dolan hosted the annual Al Smith white-tie dinner. This event raises millions of dollars for Catholic charities. Traditionally, it provides a platform for candidates from both parties to engage in lighthearted exchanges before Election Day. In 2024, however, only Donald Trump participated, as Democratic nominee Kamala Harris declined the invitation.
Donald Trump, who has long-standing connections to his native New York City, later had Cardinal Dolan pray at his inauguration. Trump also appointed Dolan to his new Religious Liberty Commission.
Cardinal Dolan was Donald Trump's preferred candidate to succeed Pope Francis. However, Dolan did criticize the president for sharing an AI-generated image of Trump, who is not Catholic, dressed as a pope. This occurred before the May conclave that ultimately elected Pope Leo XIV.
Pope Benedict XVI named Dolan archbishop of New York in February 2009. Prior to this, Dolan served as archbishop of Milwaukee. He was made a cardinal in 2012. He also headed the U.S. bishops conference from 2010 to 2013.
One of Bishop Hicks' initial major responsibilities will be to oversee the implementation of the abuse settlement fund. Cardinal Dolan finalized this fund shortly before his retirement. The fund will be financed through reductions in the archdiocesan budget and the sale of assets. The objective is to cover settlements for most, if not all, of the approximately 1,300 outstanding abuse claims against the archdiocese.
Bishop Hicks is not unfamiliar with managing the repercussions of the abuse scandal. The Joliet diocese, under his predecessors, faced severe criticism from the state's attorney general in 2023.
A five-year investigation revealed that 451 Catholic clergy members abused 1,997 children in Illinois between 1950 and 2019. Bishop Hicks was appointed to lead the Joliet church in 2020. The attorney general's report was generally positive regarding the diocese's current child protection policies. However, it documented several instances where previous Joliet bishops moved known abusers, disparaged victims, and refused to accept responsibility for their role in enabling the abuse.
Bishop Ronald Hicks, the current bishop of Joliet, Illinois, has been named the next archbishop of New York by Pope Leo XIV. This appointment marks a key U.S. nomination for the American pontiff. Hicks will lead one of the largest U.S. archdioceses. The archdiocese faces challenges in its relations with the Trump administration, particularly concerning its immigration crackdown.
Hicks replaces the retiring Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Dolan is a prominent conservative figure within the U.S. Catholic hierarchy. Last week, Dolan finalized a plan to establish a $300 million fund. This fund is intended to compensate victims of sexual abuse who had sued the archdiocese.
Hicks addressed the issue of abuse during his news conference on Thursday.
“As a church, we can never rest in our efforts to prevent abuse, to protect children and to care for survivors,” he said. “While this work is challenging, its difficult, its painful, I hope it will continue to help in the areas of accountability, transparency and healing.”
Cardinal Dolan had submitted his resignation in February. This is a requirement when a bishop turns 75. However, the Vatican often delays significant leadership changes in dioceses. This is particularly true if there is ongoing abuse litigation or other governance matters that need resolution by the outgoing bishop.
The handover signifies a new chapter for the U.S. Catholic Church. This new era is shaped by Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope. Leo and the U.S. hierarchy have already demonstrated a willingness to challenge the Trump administration. This includes stances on immigration and other issues. Bishop Hicks is widely regarded as a bishop who aligns with Pope Leo XIV's approach.
“I accept this appointment with humility and an open heart," Hicks said. "I ask for your support and your prayers, and I ask God to support us as always.”
Cardinal Dolan referred to Hicks as "an early Christmas gift for the Archdiocese." He stated that he did not know Hicks before his selection as his successor. Dolan expressed his growing affection and trust for Hicks since learning of the appointment.
“The last week, since I found out, I’ve gotten to know him, and I already love him and appreciate him and trust him.”
Bishop Hicks, aged 58, grew up in South Holland, Illinois. This is a short distance from the suburban Chicago childhood home of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Prevost.
Similar to Pope Leo XIV, who spent 20 years as a missionary in Peru, Hicks also has extensive experience in Latin America. He worked for five years in El Salvador. There, he headed a church-run orphanage program. This program operated across nine Latin American and Caribbean countries. Hicks expressed his excitement about getting to know the New York area and its residents. He also made a lighthearted, albeit potentially controversial, statement about his Chicago roots.
He jokingly noted his allegiance to the Cubs and his love for deep-dish pizza.
The Reverend Eusebius Martis, who has known Hicks since the mid-1980s, expressed confidence in his ability to handle the new role. Martis worked with Hicks at Mundelein Seminary, the Chicago archdiocesan seminary.
“Taking a new position as archbishop of New York is an enormous responsibility, but I can honestly say that Bishop Hicks is up to the task,” said the Rev. Eusebius Martis.
Martis believes New York is fortunate to have Hicks. He described him as a wonderful man. Martis highlighted Hicks' thoughtful nature and attentiveness to the needs of seminarians. Martis is a professor of sacramental theology at the Pontifical Liturgical Institute of Sant’Anselmo, the Benedictine University in Rome.
In November, Hicks publicly endorsed a special message from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. This message condemned the Trump administration’s immigration raids. These raids had particularly targeted Chicago.
In a statement urging Catholics to share the message, Hicks emphasized its significance.
It “affirms our solidarity with all our brothers and sisters as it expresses our concerns, opposition, and hopes with clarity and conviction. It is grounded in the church’s enduring commitment to the Catholic social teaching of human dignity and a call for meaningful immigration reform.”
Hicks and Pope Leo XIV share a similar hometown background. However, they only met in 2024. This occurred when then-Cardinal Prevost visited one of Hicks’ parishes. They participated in a public question-and-answer session.
Hicks, who was seated in the front pew, recalled learning about the kind of pope Leo would be that day. He stated he was impressed by both Leo's public remarks and their subsequent private conversation. Hicks shared details of their meeting with local Chicago WGN-TV news after Leo's election in May.
“Five minutes turned into 10 minutes and the 10 minutes turned into 15 and the 15 turned into 20,” Hicks told local Chicago WGN-TV news after Leo’s May election.
He recognized their shared backgrounds and priorities. These included a mutual desire to build bridges.
“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 previously served as a parish priest in Chicago. He also held the position of dean of training at Mundelein Seminary. In 2015, Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich appointed him vicar general of the archdiocese. Three years later, Hicks was made an auxiliary bishop. In 2020, Pope Francis named him bishop of Joliet. He served approximately 520,000 Catholics across seven counties in that role.
Cardinal Cupich, often viewed as a progressive figure in the U.S. church, has been a close advisor to both Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV. Hicks' appointment to such a prominent position likely benefited from Cupich's endorsement.
The Archdiocese of New York is one of the largest in the United States. It serves roughly 2.5 million Catholics. Its territory encompasses Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island in New York City. It also includes seven counties to the north of the city.
Cardinal Dolan is known for his gregarious personality. He is one of the most high-profile Catholic leaders in the United States. He is also a prominent voice within New York City.
Dolan is widely considered a conservative figure. He authored a 2018 Wall Street Journal column titled “The Democrats Abandon Catholics.” However, in 2023, he also extended a letter of welcome to a conference at Fordham University. This conference celebrated outreach programs aimed at LGBTQ+ Catholics. He also welcomed LGBTQ+ participation in the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Cardinal Dolan has established ties with the current Republican administration. As archbishop of New York, Dolan hosted the annual Al Smith white-tie dinner. This event raises millions of dollars for Catholic charities. Traditionally, it provides a platform for candidates from both parties to engage in lighthearted exchanges before Election Day. In 2024, however, only Donald Trump participated, as Democratic nominee Kamala Harris declined the invitation.
Donald Trump, who has long-standing connections to his native New York City, later had Cardinal Dolan pray at his inauguration. Trump also appointed Dolan to his new Religious Liberty Commission.
Cardinal Dolan was Donald Trump's preferred candidate to succeed Pope Francis. However, Dolan did criticize the president for sharing an AI-generated image of Trump, who is not Catholic, dressed as a pope. This occurred before the May conclave that ultimately elected Pope Leo XIV.
Pope Benedict XVI named Dolan archbishop of New York in February 2009. Prior to this, Dolan served as archbishop of Milwaukee. He was made a cardinal in 2012. He also headed the U.S. bishops conference from 2010 to 2013.
One of Bishop Hicks' initial major responsibilities will be to oversee the implementation of the abuse settlement fund. Cardinal Dolan finalized this fund shortly before his retirement. The fund will be financed through reductions in the archdiocesan budget and the sale of assets. The objective is to cover settlements for most, if not all, of the approximately 1,300 outstanding abuse claims against the archdiocese.
Bishop Hicks is not unfamiliar with managing the repercussions of the abuse scandal. The Joliet diocese, under his predecessors, faced severe criticism from the state's attorney general in 2023.
A five-year investigation revealed that 451 Catholic clergy members abused 1,997 children in Illinois between 1950 and 2019. Bishop Hicks was appointed to lead the Joliet church in 2020. The attorney general's report was generally positive regarding the diocese's current child protection policies. However, it documented several instances where previous Joliet bishops moved known abusers, disparaged victims, and refused to accept responsibility for their role in enabling the abuse.