Bishop Ronald Hicks of Joliet is poised to be appointed as the next Archbishop of New York by Pope Leo XIV, with an official announcement expected as soon as December 18. Speculation regarding this episcopal transition gained traction after a report from the Spanish Religión Digital website surfaced on Monday, which was further fueled by discussions in Chicago media circles.
Sources from the Dicastery for Bishops in Rome confirmed the impending appointment, indicating that it would put an end to months of speculation surrounding the successor to Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who has been at the helm of the New York archdiocese since 2009.
Bishop Hicks, 58, will inherit a challenging role as he steps into the leadership of one of the largest and most prominent archdioceses in the U.S. Recently, Cardinal Dolan announced the sale of real estate assets aimed at establishing a $300 million fund for compensating survivors of sexual abuse. This includes a significant $100 million deal involving the sale of the archdiocesan headquarters in Manhattan last year, after which administrative operations were relocated to a former Catholic high school.
The archdiocese is currently navigating litigation with Chubb Insurance, a long-standing liability insurer, which Cardinal Dolan accuses of failing to honor its policies. Additionally, there are concerns regarding dwindling priestly vocations, with just two applications for diocesan formation reported for 2024, reflecting a 51% decline in the number of priests since 1970. Currently, the archdiocese serves a Catholic population of approximately 2.5 million across about 300 parishes.
Bishop Hicks brings a wealth of administrative experience to his new role. He was born on August 4, 1967, in Harvey, Illinois, and has an extensive educational background, including studies in philosophy and theology. After his ordination to the priesthood in 1994, Hicks held various positions in the Archdiocese of Chicago before becoming an auxiliary bishop and subsequently the Bishop of Joliet in 2020.
His connection with the new pontiff, Cardinal Robert Prevost, has been highlighted as a possible influence in Hicks’ nomination. Hicks has expressed admiration for Prevost’s approachable manner and leadership style, noting that they share a similar background, having grown up in close proximity in Illinois. Despite their personal similarities, Hicks humorously noted his allegiance to the Chicago Cubs, a point of pride instilled by his father.
As Bishop Hicks prepares for this significant transition, the hopes of the archdiocese rest on his proven leadership capabilities and his commitment to addressing the many challenges ahead. His appointment could signal a new chapter for the Archdiocese of New York, one that may reignite the spirit of faith and community within the Catholic Church in the region.