Pope Leo XIV Appoints Ronald Hicks as New Archbishop of New York

Cardinal Timothy Dolan will step down as the leader of the Archdiocese of New York, which serves over two million Roman Catholics. This transition follows the acceptance of his resignation by Pope Leo XIV, marking the end of Dolan’s influential 16-year tenure. The announcement was made on October 5, 2023, shortly after Dolan’s 75th birthday, a milestone that customarily prompts such resignations. The pope has appointed Ronald Hicks, currently the bishop of the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois, as Dolan’s successor.

Ronald Hicks, 58, has a significant background in the Catholic Church, having been ordained in 1994 for the Archdiocese of Chicago. He became the bishop of Joliet in 2020, which is located approximately 50 miles south of Chicago. Hicks also spent five years serving as a missionary in El Salvador, an experience that has shaped his pastoral approach.

This leadership change comes at a pivotal time for the Archdiocese of New York, as it faces significant challenges, including declining church attendance and ongoing repercussions from a widespread sexual abuse scandal. Recently, the archdiocese announced plans to sell the land beneath the Palace Hotel in Manhattan for $490 million. This sale aims to create a $300 million fund to compensate survivors of sexual abuse, addressing claims from over 1,000 individuals alleging abuse by clergy and church officials during their youth.

Cardinal Dolan, who was first ordained a priest in Missouri, became the Archbishop of New York in 2009 after being appointed by Pope Benedict XVI. He was elevated to cardinal in 2012 and has played a prominent role in the Church, participating in the papal conclaves that elected both Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV. During his leadership, Dolan oversaw the archdiocese as it grappled with a shrinking congregation, resulting in the closure of schools and the consolidation of parishes. He also directed the renovation of the iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a landmark that draws visitors from around the globe.

Politically, Dolan has been recognized as a conservative figure, actively lobbying against legislation to permit physician-assisted death and advocating for the strengthening of abortion rights laws in New York State. Governor Kathy Hochul has indicated her intention to sign various bills reflecting these issues into law.

Dolan’s legacy will reflect both the challenges faced by the archdiocese during his tenure and his extensive efforts to navigate a complex landscape of faith and societal change. As Ronald Hicks prepares to take the reins, many in the Catholic community will be watching closely how he addresses these ongoing issues and leads the archdiocese into a new chapter.