BREAKING: Pope Leo XIV has officially appointed Ron Hicks as the new archbishop of New York, following Cardinal Timothy Dolan‘s resignation, effective immediately. This monumental transition comes as Dolan steps down after a significant 16-year tenure serving more than two million Roman Catholics in the area.
The announcement, made on Thursday, October 5, 2023, marks a pivotal moment for the Archdiocese of New York. Dolan, who submitted his resignation on his 75th birthday in February 2024, has been a key figure in addressing critical issues within the church, including sexual abuse scandals and declining attendance.
Hicks, currently the bishop of Joliet, Illinois, will take over leadership responsibilities at the age of 58. He was ordained in 1994 in the Archdiocese of Chicago and has served as the bishop of Joliet since 2020. His background also includes five years as a missionary in El Salvador, providing him with valuable experience in diverse communities.
This leadership change comes just days after the Archdiocese announced an agreement to sell the land beneath the Palace Hotel in Manhattan for $490 million. The proceeds will help establish a $300 million fund aimed at compensating survivors of sexual abuse. The Archdiocese is currently facing claims from over 1,000 individuals who allege abuse as minors by clergy and church officials.
Dolan’s tenure has been marked by significant challenges, including the need to downsize the archdiocese, close schools, and consolidate parishes in response to declining membership and the fallout from abuse allegations. He oversaw extensive renovations of the iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a vital landmark in Midtown New York, and was known for his conservative stance on political issues, including opposition to physician-assisted death and recent abortion rights legislation.
The implications of this transition are profound, as the new leadership under Hicks is expected to navigate ongoing challenges while addressing the needs of a changing congregation. Observers will be watching closely to see how Hicks will approach these critical issues and reshape the archdiocese’s direction.
This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more information becomes available. Share this news to keep others informed about the latest changes in church leadership and its impact on the community.
