On December 18, 2025, Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Ronald A. Hicks as the 11th Archbishop of New York, succeeding Cardinal Timothy Dolan. The decision surprised many observers, according to the National Catholic Reporter. Hicks, who has served as Bishop of Joliet since 2020, brings extensive experience from seminary formation work and service with vulnerable populations through Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos in Central America. His installation is scheduled for February 6, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where his priorities for catechesis and evangelization will begin taking shape.
The Vatican announced on December 18, 2025, that Pope Leo XIV had appointed Bishop Ronald A. Hicks as the 11th Archbishop of New York, one of the largest Catholic dioceses in the United States.
The appointment came after Pope Leo XIV accepted the required retirement resignation of Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who turned 75 on February 6, 2025.
Following canon law requirements, Cardinal Timothy Dolan submitted his resignation upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75 in February 2025.
Hicks, currently serving as Bishop of Joliet, Illinois, will be installed on February 6, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral by Cardinal Christophe Pierre.
At 58, Hicks brings extensive experience from his three decades in ministry. He was ordained a priest in the Archdiocese of Chicago on May 21, 1994, and served in various parish and seminary roles before becoming Vicar General under Cardinal Blase Cupich in 2015.
He was ordained an auxiliary bishop of Chicago on September 17, 2018, and appointed Bishop of Joliet on July 17, 2020, where he led diocesan restructuring and issued his first pastoral letter titled MAKE.
Hicks holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Niles College of Loyola University Chicago and both a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois.
From 2010 to 2014, he served as Dean of Formation at Mundelein Seminary, shaping the education of future priests.
His commitment to vulnerable populations was deepened through work with Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos, an organization serving children in need. He has emphasized the importance of forgiveness in pastoral ministry.
He volunteered in Mexico in 1989 and later served as Regional Director of NPH Central America from 2005 to 2010.
NPH Executive Director Miguel Venegas praised his leadership in serving those in need.
Media coverage highlighted the surprise element of the appointment, with National Catholic Reporter noting it as the right choice.
Hicks expressed gratitude to Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Pierre, and Cardinal Dolan, stating he would carry the faith and spirit of Joliet to New York. He highlighted his commitment to catechesis, evangelization, and faith in action as central priorities for his new ministry.
Until his installation, Cardinal Dolan will serve as Apostolic Administrator. A private breakfast with Archbishop-designate Hicks, Cardinal Dolan, and Auxiliary Bishops was held at 7:30 a.m. on the day of the announcement.
