Archbishop Ronald Hicks Installed as New Leader of New York Archdiocese
NEW YORK, N.Y. — In a ceremony held at the iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Friday, Archbishop Ronald Hicks was officially installed as the new Archbishop of New York, succeeding Cardinal Timothy Dolan who retired after a distinguished tenure since 2009. The installation marked a new chapter for the Archdiocese of New York, one of the most prominent Catholic jurisdictions in the United States.
Archbishop Hicks, who had served as Bishop of Joliet, Illinois, since 2020, becomes the 14th bishop and 11th archbishop to lead the Archdiocese. During his installation Mass, Hicks expressed his deep affection for the city and his commitment to the Church’s mission. “I happen to like New York. I happen to love this town. So, start spreadin’ the news, I’m starting today,” he said, echoing the spirit of the city he now serves. “Here are a few things you should know about me: I love Jesus. I love the Church. And I love people.”
The Archdiocese of New York, which encompasses Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, and several counties north of the city, has long been a vital center of Catholic life and influence in America. Cardinal Dolan’s leadership was marked by a strong public presence and engagement with social issues, and Archbishop Hicks inherits a community of more than 2.8 million Catholics.
His installation was conducted under the auspices of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and attended by clergy, civic leaders, and faithful from across the region. The ceremony included the reading of the papal bull from Pope Leo XIV, formally appointing Hicks to the position. The event underscored the continuity and tradition that define the Catholic Church’s leadership transitions.
Archbishop Hicks’s previous experience in Joliet involved overseeing a diocese with a diverse population and addressing challenges ranging from parish consolidations to expanding outreach programs. His pastoral approach emphasizes inclusivity and service, qualities that are expected to shape his leadership in New York.
The Archdiocese’s official website highlights his commitment to evangelization and social justice, themes that resonate with the city’s dynamic and multicultural population. As Archbishop, Hicks will also play a key role in the wider Catholic Church’s efforts in the northeastern United States.
Cardinal Dolan, who retired after nearly two decades in New York, reflected on his journey with gratitude, emphasizing that “God is always in charge.” His legacy includes significant contributions to Catholic education, charitable work, and interfaith dialogue.
Archbishop Hicks’s installation comes at a time when the Catholic Church continues to navigate complex societal issues and seeks to engage younger generations. His leadership is anticipated to bring renewed energy and perspective to one of America’s most influential archdioceses.
For more information on the Archdiocese of New York and its leadership, visit the official Archdiocese website. The Catholic News Agency provides ongoing coverage of church affairs nationwide. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops offers resources on episcopal appointments and church governance.
As Archbishop Hicks begins his tenure, the faithful of New York look forward to a new era of spiritual guidance and community engagement under his stewardship.
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