Pope Leo has appointed Bishop Ronald Hicks, 58, as Archbishop of New York, choosing a Chicago native with ministry experience in El Salvador and Mexico. Hicks is viewed as a pastoral moderate and bridge builder who supports Catholic social teaching and migrant advocacy. He succeeds Cardinal Timothy Dolan and will inherit major challenges, including a roughly $300 million settlement fund for abuse survivors. Observers see Hicks as likely to raise the church’s public profile on immigration while avoiding divisive rhetoric.
Pope Leo Appoints Bishop Ronald Hicks As Archbishop Of New York — A Pro‑Migrant, Bridge‑Building Choice
Bishop Ronald Hicks says he relates personally to Pope Leo. He was born in Harvey, Illinois, south of Chicago, near to where Leo grew up in Dolton. - Diocese of Joliet
Pope Leo has named 58‑year‑old Bishop Ronald Hicks as the new Archbishop of New York, selecting a prelate with direct pastoral experience in countries that have supplied large migrant flows to the United States. The appointment is widely interpreted as a sign the U.S. church may take a more outspoken stance on immigration as tensions continue with the Trump administration.
A Chicagoan With Latin America Experience
Hicks, until now the Bishop of Joliet, Illinois, spent five years serving in El Salvador working with orphaned and abandoned children and earlier ministered in Mexico. That background highlights his firsthand knowledge of migrant communities and the growing influence of Hispanic Catholics in the U.S. It also echoes Pope Leo’s own long missionary and episcopal service in Latin America.
High-Profile Succession
Hicks succeeds Cardinal Timothy Dolan, whose resignation at age 75 was accepted by the pope. The archdiocese of New York is one of the country’s most prominent sees; its archbishops are often elevated to the College of Cardinals and are prominent voices on national issues. Hicks’ new role will bring heightened scrutiny as he assumes leadership of a major archdiocese at a politically charged moment.
Pastoral Profile and Priorities
Observers describe Hicks as a pastoral moderate and a bridge builder. He publicly expressed solidarity with migrants after a rare joint intervention by U.S. bishops criticizing White House immigration policy, saying the bishops’ message underlined their "concerns, opposition, and hopes with clarity and conviction." Commentator Michael Sean Winters called Hicks "a good listener and bridge builder who will follow Leo's lead" and said he shows "no culture war temperament."
Timothy Dolan, who is retiring as Archbishop of New York, drew criticism when he likened Charlie Kirk, the conservative political activist assassinated in September, to Saint Paul. - Mario Tama/Getty Images
Stance On Divisive Issues
Hicks opposed efforts by some U.S. bishops to deny Communion to President Joe Biden over his position on abortion, and he has a record of working cooperatively with bishops across theological lines. He is also committed to Catholic social teaching: concern for the marginalized, support for organized labor, and efforts to address economic injustice are recurring themes in his ministry.
Support And Connections
The appointment appears to have had the backing of Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago, who is a close ally of Pope Leo and has influence in Vatican processes for episcopal nominations. Hicks and the pope share Chicago roots: Hicks was born in Harvey, Illinois, near where Pope Leo grew up, a personal connection Hicks has noted in interviews.
Immediate Challenges
Hicks inherits significant administrative and pastoral challenges, including the archdiocese’s handling of clerical sexual abuse claims. The Archdiocese of New York has announced a roughly $300 million fund intended to settle claims from about 1,300 survivors and plans major property sales to help finance those settlements. Hicks has said in the past: "We need to address whatever wrongs and/or issues that exist and not be afraid to confront them."
What Lies Ahead
As archbishop, Hicks will be expected to speak to both the spiritual needs of a diverse flock and the civic debates that touch his archdiocese. Commentators say his combination of pastoral experience, familiarity with migrant communities, and reputation as a conciliator position him to be an influential voice on immigration and social justice while avoiding polarizing rhetoric.
Quick quote: "We grew up literally in the same radius, in the same neighborhood together," Hicks told Chicago TV station WG9, describing similarities with Pope Leo. "We played in the same parks, went swimming in the same pools, liked the same pizza places to go to. I mean, it’s that real."
Hicks’ appointment marks a notable moment for the American church as it navigates internal reform, public policy debates and pastoral care for an increasingly diverse Catholic population.
