Ronald Hicks, named archbishop of New York, said he will prioritize evangelization and reengaging Catholics who have drifted from the church. He emphasized immigrant outreach rooted in social justice and requested Spanish for parts of his installation liturgy. Appointed in December to succeed Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Hicks arrives as the archdiocese implements a $300 million fund for abuse survivors. He also expressed a desire to collaborate with civic leaders on issues of common good.
Incoming New York Archbishop Ronald Hicks to Prioritize Evangelization and Immigrant Outreach
Archbishop-designate Ronald Hicks talks to reporters during a news conference at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Ronald Hicks, the incoming archbishop of New York, said Thursday he will make evangelization and reengagement central to his leadership as he prepares to lead one of the nation’s largest archdioceses.
Archbishop-designate Ronald Hicks talks to reporters during a news conference at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
At a news conference held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where his installation takes place Friday, Hicks asked pointed questions about the church’s future: “How do we actually be disciples? Who do we make disciples?” He said the archdiocese must find ways to reengage people who have drifted away, pass the faith to younger generations and remain a thriving, relevant presence in the city.
Archbishop-designate Ronald Hicks talks to reporters during a news conference at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Hicks — who spent five years in El Salvador overseeing a church-run orphanage program that served nine countries across Latin America and the Caribbean — said immigrant outreach will be grounded in the church’s teachings on social justice and human dignity. “How do we see each other as brothers and sisters and use that as a foundation for everything else?” he asked. He has requested that portions of the installation liturgy be celebrated in Spanish.
Archbishop-designate Ronald Hicks talks to reporters during a news conference at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
The leadership change marks a major moment for the U.S. church. Hicks was selected by Pope Leo XIV in December to succeed the retiring Cardinal Timothy Dolan. (Supporters describe Pope Leo XIV as a Chicago-born pontiff and the first American pope.) Dolan submitted his resignation in February as required upon turning 75.
Archbishop-designate Ronald Hicks greets journalists before a news conference at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Hicks’s appointment came shortly after Dolan finalized plans for a $300 million fund to compensate victims of sexual abuse who sued the archdiocese — an issue Hicks said the local church must continue to confront with transparency and care.
During his homily, Hicks outlined a vision for the archdiocese rooted in gratitude and mission. “You are going to notice that I am going to reference a number of times Pope Leo the 14th,” he said. “I will strive always to be obedient and respectful to him and also collaborate with his vision.”
The New York archdiocese serves roughly 2.5 million Catholics across Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island and in seven counties north of the city, making it one of the largest Catholic dioceses in the United States.
Hicks said he has not yet spoken with New York’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, but looks forward to meeting him. “What I’d like to do as archbishop is understand that in politics, in government, there are going to be things that we disagree on,” he said, “but I’d also like to make sure we pay attention to what are those things we can work on together for the common good.”
Key themes: evangelization, immigrant outreach, bilingual liturgy, collaboration with civic leaders, and continued attention to survivors of abuse.
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