America’s first Pope appoints fellow Illinoisan Bishop Ronald Hicks to lead the prestigious Archdiocese of New York, marking a historic moment as homegrown Catholic leadership takes charge during challenging times.
Story Highlights
- Pope Leo XIV, first American pontiff, selects Illinois Bishop Ronald Hicks as new Archbishop of New York
- Timothy Cardinal Dolan steps down after 16 years, reaching mandatory retirement age of 75
- New archbishop inherits massive $300 million settlement for 1,300 abuse claims
- Church selling prime NYC real estate including Lotte Palace hotel land for $490 million
Historic American Leadership Transition
Pope Leo XIV made history Thursday by appointing Bishop Ronald Hicks of Illinois as the new Archbishop of New York, replacing Timothy Cardinal Dolan after his 16-year tenure.
The appointment represents a significant moment for American Catholicism, with the nation’s first Pope selecting a fellow Illinoisan to lead one of the Church’s most influential archdioceses. Hicks, 58, currently heads the Diocese of Joliet and had been rumored as the frontrunner following Dolan’s mandatory retirement at age 75.
BREAKING: In most consequential appointment for US church thus far, Pope Leo has officially named Joliet’s Bishop Ron Hicks (58) as the 11th Archbishop of New York, succeeding Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Hicks is a native Chicagoan and was ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal… pic.twitter.com/ImrmvF0c3z
— Rich Raho (@RichRaho) December 18, 2025
Midwest Roots and Papal Connection
The new archbishop shares deep Illinois ties with Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost on Chicago’s South Side. Hicks grew up in South Holland, Illinois, and was appointed to lead Joliet’s diocese by Pope Francis in July 2020.
His connection to the Holy Father runs deeper than geography—Hicks praised the Pope’s relatability earlier this year, telling WGN-TV that having a pontiff from their shared neighborhood makes him “so relatable” rather than “some figure or theory out there.”
Financial Crisis and Property Sales
Hicks inherits one of the Church’s most challenging financial situations, with the Archdiocese scrambling to raise $300 million for approximately 1,300 child sex abuse settlements.
The crisis has forced dramatic cost-cutting measures, including staff layoffs and the sale of valuable Manhattan properties. The Church announced sales of land beneath the prestigious Lotte New York Palace hotel for $490 million and a former headquarters on First Avenue for $100 million to fund settlements.
Survivor Concerns and Leadership Continuity
The timing of Dolan’s departure has raised concerns among abuse survivors about settlement continuity. The Coalition for Just & Compassionate Compensation wrote to Pope Leo Wednesday, warning that leadership changes could “delay, destabilize, or undermine” ongoing mediation processes.
Dolan has consistently supported victim compensation, recently acknowledging the scandal “brought shame upon our church” while asking for forgiveness. The group emphasized that any disruption would be “deeply personal and harmful” for survivors seeking justice.
