The Vatican announced on Thursday (December 18) that it has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Timothy Dolan as the Archbishop of New York. Bishop Ronald Hicks of Joliet, Illinois, will succeed Dolan, becoming the fourteenth bishop and the eleventh archbishop of the Archdiocese of New York. Hicks, 58, was appointed by Pope Leo XIV and will take over the leadership of one of the largest dioceses in the United States.
Cardinal Dolan, who turned 75 in February, submitted his mandatory retirement letter, as is customary for bishops at this age. He has served as the Archbishop of New York since 2009. Bishop Hicks, originally from Chicago, has been serving as the Bishop of Joliet since September 2020. Prior to that, he was an auxiliary bishop and vicar general in the Archdiocese of Chicago, where he gained valuable experience in governance and administration.
In an interview with Vatican News, Hicks expressed his commitment to being a pastor with a “shepherd’s heart,” emphasizing his desire to connect with people and grow the faith community. He also highlighted the importance of addressing clerical sexual abuse, drawing on his experiences in Chicago and Joliet to prioritize the protection of children and support for survivors.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops noted that the Archdiocese of New York covers 4,683 square miles and serves over 1.5 million Catholics. Hicks’ appointment is expected to bring new leadership and vision to the archdiocese as it navigates the challenges of modern-day ministry.
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