URGENT UPDATE: Pope Leo XIV has just announced the appointment of Bishop Ron Hicks as the new Archbishop of New York, following the resignation of Cardinal Timothy Dolan. This significant leadership shift, confirmed on October 26, 2023, comes as Dolan steps down after a remarkable 16-year tenure that profoundly impacted over two million Roman Catholics in the New York area.
In a move that marks a new chapter for the Archdiocese of New York, Dolan, who celebrated his 75th birthday in February, offered his resignation in line with church tradition. Bishop Ron Hicks, aged 58 and previously the bishop of Joliet, Illinois, has been chosen to lead the archdiocese, which oversees hundreds of churches across New York City and its surroundings.
Hicks, who was ordained in 1994 and became bishop in 2020, brings a wealth of experience, including a five-year missionary stint in El Salvador. His appointment comes at a pivotal moment, just days after the archdiocese announced plans to sell land beneath the prestigious Palace Hotel in Manhattan for $490 million. This sale is part of a broader effort to establish a $300 million fund aimed at compensating survivors of sexual abuse, with over 1,000 claims currently pending against church officials.
Dolan, who was first ordained a priest in Missouri and previously served as Bishop of Milwaukee, was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009. He rose to prominence within the Catholic community, participating in the papal conclaves that elected both Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV. Throughout his leadership, he faced significant challenges, including declining church attendance and the repercussions of a long-standing sexual abuse crisis that led to the closure of schools and consolidation of parishes.
Under Dolan’s guidance, the renovation of St. Patrick’s Cathedral was completed, revitalizing the iconic Gothic structure that draws visitors globally. Known for his conservative stance on various issues, Dolan actively opposed legislation related to physician-assisted death and abortion rights, which Governor Kathy Hochul is set to sign into law.
This is a developing story that will continue to evolve as more details emerge surrounding Hicks’ new role and the future direction of the Archdiocese of New York. Stay tuned for updates as this situation unfolds, as it impacts not only the local community but also the broader Catholic Church worldwide.
