URGENT UPDATE: In a landmark decision, Pope Leo XIV has just appointed Bishop Ronald Hicks as the new archbishop of New York, one of the largest archdioceses in the United States. This significant move comes as the archdiocese navigates ongoing challenges related to the Trump administration’s immigration policies and the implementation of a $300 million fund to compensate victims of sexual abuse.
Bishop Hicks, currently serving as the bishop of Joliet, Illinois, replaces the retiring Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who submitted his resignation after turning 75 in February. The transition marks a new era for the U.S. Catholic Church under the leadership of an American pope, with Hicks seen as a progressive figure aligned with Leo’s vision.
Hicks, aged 58, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He has worked extensively in Latin America, overseeing church-run programs in nine countries. His commitment to social justice was evident when he endorsed a message from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops condemning the administration’s immigration raids, particularly affecting Chicago. In his own words, Hicks stated, “It affirms our solidarity with all our brothers and sisters,” emphasizing the church’s commitment to human dignity.
The archbishop’s responsibilities will include managing the newly established compensation fund for sexual abuse victims, aimed at settling approximately 1,300 outstanding claims. This fund will be financed by budget reductions and asset sales within the archdiocese. Hicks has previously dealt with similar issues in Joliet, where a state investigation revealed that 451 clergy members abused 1,997 children over several decades, sparking significant reforms in child protection policies.
The New York archdiocese serves roughly 2.5 million Catholics across Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, and surrounding counties. Cardinal Dolan, a prominent conservative voice, leaves behind a complex legacy, having played a key role in both conservative and progressive discussions within the church. His tenure included organizing events that brought together candidates from both political parties, a tradition that continues to shape the archdiocese’s community engagement.
As the transition unfolds, the Catholic community is watching closely. Hicks’ appointment signals a potential shift in the archbishopric’s approach to social issues, particularly immigration and abuse reform. His connection to Pope Leo XIV, both hailing from Chicago, may influence a more unified stance against political challenges facing the church today.
As the archdiocese grapples with its past while looking towards the future, Bishop Hicks is poised to take on these monumental tasks. His leadership will be crucial in guiding the archdiocese through this turbulent period, reinforcing the church’s commitment to its values and mission.
WHAT’S NEXT: Bishop Hicks will officially take over the archdiocese in the coming weeks. His first major task will be the implementation of the abuse settlement fund, and the community eagerly anticipates how he will address ongoing challenges related to immigration and church governance. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
