Bishop Ronald Hicks Appointed New Archbishop of New York, Succeeding Cardinal Dolan

New Leadership for New York Catholics

• 📌 Pope Francis has accepted Cardinal Dolan's resignation, appointing Bishop Ron Hicks from the Archdiocese of Joliet, Illinois, as the new Archbishop of New York.
• 🤝 The transition marks the end of an era for the Archdiocese of New York, with Cardinal Dolan having served for nearly 17 years.
• ✨ Bishop Hicks expressed gratitude for Cardinal Dolan's leadership and joked about his Chicago roots, promising to root for New York sports teams.

Archbishop-Designate's Vision and Priorities

• 💖 Bishop Hicks emphasized his core values, stating, "I love Jesus with my mind, heart, and soul. And I strive to love my neighbor as myself."
• ⚖️ He addressed serious issues within the church, aiming to continue efforts in accountability, transparency, and healing, particularly concerning sex abuse claims.
• 🗣️ Hicks, considered more progressive than Dolan, spoke in both English and Spanish, highlighting his experience in El Salvador.

Background and Connections

• 👶 Bishop Hicks, 58, was ordained in 1994 and previously served as an auxiliary bishop in Chicago before becoming bishop of Joliet in 2020.
• 🌍 He spent five years in El Salvador running a home for orphaned and abandoned children, caring for over 20,000.
• 🤝 Notably, Bishop Hicks shares a personal connection with Pope Francis, having grown up in the same neighborhood and attended the same parks and pools.

Installation and Future Outlook

• 🗓️ Bishop Hicks will be officially installed as the Archbishop of New York at St. Patrick's Cathedral on February 6th.
• 🌟 His appointment is seen as a significant change, with expectations of a new direction for the Catholic Church in New York.