Leadership Transition in New York Archdiocese as Bishop Ronald Hicks Succeeds Cardinal Dolan
In a significant shift within the Catholic Church, Bishop Ronald A. Hicks from Joliet, Illinois, has been appointed by Pope Leo XIV as the new Archbishop of New York. Hicks will take over from Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who guided the 2.8 million Catholics of New York for 16 years before submitting his resignation at the Vatican’s mandatory retirement age of 75.
Hicks, aged 58, is known for his alignment with Pope Francis’ inclusive vision for the Church. Born in Harvey, Illinois, Hicks shares a geographical connection with Pope Leo, having grown up in nearby South Holland. This shared background creates a personal bond between the two Catholic leaders.
Cardinal Dolan was a prominent figure in the American Catholic Church, often drawing attention for his robust style. He was a natural fit for New York but sometimes faced criticism from local Democrats due to perceived support for the Trump administration.
Christopher White, author of Pope Leo XIV: Inside the Conclave and the Dawn of a New Papacy, notes that Hicks’ leadership approach varies significantly from Dolan’s. “He won’t be shy, and at the same time he will also bring a seriousness and willingness to learn that’s likely to help him on a local level that will be different from Dolan’s larger-than-life persona,” White commented.
Hicks himself has acknowledged the similarities between his upbringing and that of Pope Leo, telling WGN, “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, liked the same pizza places to go to.”
Drawing inspiration from his time in Latin America, Hicks spent five years in El Salvador working with Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos, a home for orphans. This experience shaped his ministry, aligning with Pope Leo’s and Pope Francis’ emphasis on social justice and support for the marginalized.
In 2010, Hicks was appointed dean of formation at Mundelein Seminary in Illinois, where he earned praise for his administrative skills and empathetic leadership. Rev. John Kartje, who collaborated with Hicks, described him as an excellent listener and decisive leader.
Hicks advanced to become an auxiliary bishop in Chicago in 2018, with his appointment influenced by Cardinal Blase Cupich, a close ally of Pope Francis. His move to New York signals a significant step, taking over at a time of financial and structural challenges for the Archdiocese.
Hicks’ appointment comes as the Archdiocese of New York engages in mediation to address 1,300 sexual abuse claims and faces the task of raising $300 million for survivor compensation. The archdiocese is also selling Manhattan properties and restructuring parishes to address these financial strains.
As Hicks steps into his new role, he becomes a key religious figure in a changing New York City, where Zohran Mamdani is set to become its first Muslim mayor. The traditional red hat bestowed upon the Archbishop of New York brings prestige and influence, alongside the considerable challenges of leading one of the most prominent Catholic communities in the United States.
This article is a collaboration between NPR and Religion News Service.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
