In a landmark decision reshaping American Catholic leadership, Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Ronald Hicks of Joliet, Illinois, as the next Archbishop of New York. The appointment marks the most significant U.S. ecclesiastical assignment to date for the first American pontiff, who shares Chicago roots with his newly designated prelate.
Bishop Hicks, 58, succeeds Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who submitted his mandatory resignation upon turning 75 last February. The transition occurs as the New York Archdiocese—serving approximately 2.5 million Catholics across Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, and seven northern counties—navigates complex relationships with the Trump administration, particularly regarding immigration policies.
The leadership change follows Cardinal Dolan’s recent establishment of a $300 million compensation fund for sexual abuse victims who had filed lawsuits against the archdiocese. Vatican authorities typically delay such appointments pending resolution of abuse litigation and other governance matters, making this transition particularly noteworthy.
Hicks brings extensive pastoral experience to his new role, including five years directing a church-operated orphanage program across nine Latin American and Caribbean nations. His background aligns closely with Pope Leo’s own missionary work in Peru, creating shared perspectives on immigration and social justice issues.
In November, Hicks endorsed a statement from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops condemning Trump administration immigration raids, particularly those targeting Chicago. He urged Catholics to embrace “solidarity with all our brothers and sisters” grounded in “the church’s enduring commitment to the Catholic social teaching of human dignity.”
The two Chicago natives first met in 2024 when then-Cardinal Prevost visited one of Hicks’ parishes. Their conversation extended from scheduled minutes to a substantial discussion that revealed shared priorities for bridge-building and common upbringing experiences.
Hicks’ progression through church ranks included service as vicar general of the Chicago Archdiocese under Cardinal Blase Cupich—a progressive prelate and close adviser to both Pope Francis and Pope Leo. Many observers see Cupich’s endorsement as instrumental in Hicks’ appointment to this prominent position.
Among Hicks’ immediate responsibilities will be overseeing implementation of the abuse settlement fund finalized by his predecessor. The diocese will finance the compensation program through budget reductions and asset sales, addressing approximately 1,300 outstanding abuse claims.
Hicks previously managed abuse scandal fallout in the Joliet diocese, which faced severe criticism in a 2023 Illinois attorney general’s report documenting 451 clergy abusing 1,997 children between 1950 and 2019. While the report acknowledged improved child protection policies under Hicks’ leadership, it detailed previous bishops’ mishandling of abusive clergy and victim disparagement.
The appointment signals continued alignment between the U.S. hierarchy and Pope Leo’s vision, particularly regarding immigration advocacy and church reform priorities.
