Pope Leo Names Bishop Ronald Hicks as Next Archbishop of New York
Pope Leo XIV has chosen Bishop Ronald A. Hicks of the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois, to become the next archbishop of New York, marking one of the most consequential episcopal appointments of his pontificate to date. The decision, made public on Wednesday, signals a significant transition for the Archdiocese of New York, which serves approximately 2.5 million Catholics across Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, and several surrounding counties. Bishop Hicks will succeed Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who has led the archdiocese since 2009. Vatican observers note that the selection is likely to be closely examined for what it reveals about Pope Leo’s priorities for Church leadership in the United States, particularly in dioceses with major cultural and institutional influence.
Bishop Hicks, 58, has led the Diocese of Joliet since 2020, following earlier service as an auxiliary bishop and senior administrator in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Ordained a priest in 1994, his pastoral background includes parish ministry, seminary formation, and diocesan governance. He also spent several years in Central America overseeing charitable and pastoral initiatives for orphaned and vulnerable children, experience that shaped his leadership profile beyond the United States. His formation and ministry reflect a blend of pastoral care, administrative responsibility, and international exposure, qualities often considered when appointments are made to high profile archdioceses.
The appointment comes at a moment when the Church in the United States faces ongoing challenges related to clergy formation, demographic shifts, and public trust. As archbishop of New York, Bishop Hicks will oversee one of the most visible Catholic dioceses in the country, with significant influence in education, social services, and public life. While no date has yet been announced for his installation, preparations for the transition are expected to begin shortly. Church officials emphasize that such appointments are made with long term pastoral needs in mind, as the archdiocese enters a new chapter under leadership chosen directly by the Pope.
