The newly appointed archbishop of New York described himself as an “unworthy servant” during his first Mass in the city, following his selection by Pope Leo XIV to lead one of the largest Catholic dioceses in the United States.
Leadership Change at the Archdiocese
Pope Leo named Bishop Ronald Hicks, 58, of Illinois to replace Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who stepped down after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75. The move marks a notable shift for the U.S. Catholic Church, replacing a prominent conservative voice with a cleric known for advocating for migrants.
First Mass and Installation Plans
Hicks celebrated Mass for archdiocesan staff at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan, addressing congregants in both English and Spanish. He is scheduled to be formally installed as archbishop on Feb. 6.
Signal From Pope Leo XIV
The appointment is considered Pope Leo’s most consequential U.S. decision since his election in May and is widely seen as a signal of opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Hicks, like Leo, has been outspoken in his support for migrants and refugees.
Immigration and Social Justice Focus
More than 36 percent of New Yorkers are foreign-born, with about 1.8 million residents speaking Spanish at home. Hicks referenced a recent U.S. bishops’ statement criticizing zero-tolerance immigration policies, saying it reflects the Church’s commitment to human dignity and meaningful immigration reform.
Background and Past Ministry
A Chicago native, Hicks spent five years ministering in El Salvador, overseeing a church-run orphanage program across Latin America and the Caribbean. He also served in several Chicago-area parishes and led the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois, prior to his New York appointment.
Praise From His Predecessor
Cardinal Dolan publicly endorsed his successor, telling congregants, “We got a good one.” Dolan has led the New York archdiocese since 2009 and oversaw significant challenges, including the fallout from sexual abuse scandals.
Ongoing Abuse Accountability
Hicks assumes leadership as the archdiocese continues addressing abuse claims. Just weeks ago, church officials announced a $300 million compensation fund for victims. Hicks has acknowledged that addressing abuse within the Church remains an ongoing responsibility.
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