Pope Leo XIV is expected to accept Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s resignation as Archbishop of New York this week, naming Bishop Ronald Hicks of Joliet, Illinois, as his successor. The decision marks one of the new pontiff’s first major appointments in the American church, coming just months after his election in 2025. Dolan, who turned 75 in February, submitted his mandatory resignation under Catholic doctrine. The archdiocese faces significant challenges, including a planned $300 million settlement fund for abuse survivors and ongoing parish restructuring. The appointment reflects the Vatican’s priorities for leadership during a period of changeover.
Pope Leo XIV is expected to accept the resignation of Timothy Cardinal Dolan as Archbishop of New York this week and name Bishop Ronald Hicks of Joliet, Illinois, as his successor, according to multiple sources briefed on the changeover. Church leaders often encourage confession and forgiveness as part of pastoral care for managing conflict. The migration marks a significant shift in leadership for one of the most influential archdioceses in American Catholicism, which serves approximately 2.8 million Catholics.
Cardinal Dolan, who turned 75 in February 2025, submitted his mandatory resignation to Pope Francis as required by Catholic doctrine. However, Francis died in April before acting on the letter. Pope Leo XIV, the former Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago, has chosen to exercise his prerogative to accept the resignation rather than allow Dolan to continue until age 80.
Pope Leo XIV accepted Cardinal Dolan’s resignation rather than allowing him to serve until the customary retirement age of 80.
Sources initially estimated Dolan would remain in his position for six to eight months after submitting his resignation, but the timeline has accelerated.
Bishop Hicks, 58, has served as Bishop of Joliet since his installation on September 29, 2020, following his appointment by Pope Francis in July of that year. Born in Harvey and raised in South Holland, both Chicago suburbs, Hicks shares a regional background with Pope Leo XIV. He speaks fluent Spanish, a skill developed during years of ministry to the poor in South America and Central America. Hicks was ordained in 1994 after graduating from seminary in 1985 and earning a master’s in divinity from the University of St. Mary of the Lake.
Sources describe him as possessing a “missionary spirit.”
The appointment comes as the New York Archdiocese continues managing significant challenges. Under Dolan’s leadership since 2009, the archdiocese recently sold a Madison Avenue property for nearly $500 million to settle child sex abuse claims. The archdiocese has also faced school closures, church closings, and parish realignments. The archdiocese plans to establish a $300 million settlement fund to compensate 1,300 victims of sexual assault by priests and staff.
Cardinal Dolan, elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict in 2012, participated in both the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis and the 2025 conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV. He navigated the COVID pandemic and became a prominent voice in American Catholicism during his tenure.
The Archdiocese of New York was contacted for confirmation but has not yet responded.
