Pope Leo XIV Appoints Bishop Ronald Hicks as New York’s Archbishop

BREAKING: Pope Leo XIV has officially appointed Bishop Ronald A. Hicks of Joliet, Illinois, as the new archbishop of New York, marking a significant transition in one of America’s largest Catholic dioceses. This announcement, made on December 18, 2023, ends the 16-year tenure of Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who has led the archdiocese since 2009.

In a statement to Vatican News, Hicks expressed his commitment, saying, “All I want to do is God’s will, and however God moves me to be a leader in New York, I want to follow that and just give all of my mind, heart and soul.” His appointment signals a new chapter for the archdiocese, which has a diverse and populous community.

Hicks, who has served as the Bishop of Joliet since 2020, previously held the position of Auxiliary Bishop and vicar general of Chicago under Cardinal Blase Cupich. His leadership style is expected to differ significantly from that of his predecessor. According to author Christopher White, “Hicks’ personality is different from Dolan’s,” indicating a potential shift in the archdiocese’s approach to leadership.

Cardinal Cupich praised Hicks, stating, “Archbishop Hicks is a holy man with a heart for Jesus and the People of God.” The transition comes at a complex time for the Catholic Church, as the new archbishop is expected to address pressing issues, including LGBTQ+ rights, a topic that Pope Leo XIV has openly discussed.

Hicks, who grew up just blocks away from Pope Leo, remarked, “And like Pope Leo, I’m looking for a Church that brings God’s light to the world, His peace, His healing, His love.” This personal connection could shape his vision for the archdiocese and its future direction.

The appointment has sparked varied reactions. Christopher Hale, a Democratic activist, noted that while Dolan “did plenty of good in New York,” there is a sense of relief among progressives as “the era of these photo-ops is ending.” Observers are keen to see how Hicks will navigate his new role, particularly in light of his predecessor’s larger-than-life persona.

As the news unfolds, many are eager to see how Hicks will embrace the diversity of New York and address the challenges facing the archdiocese. His willingness to engage with local issues and learn from the community positions him as a potentially transformative leader.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Bishop Hicks prepares to take on the responsibilities of leading one of the most influential archdioceses in the United States.