Pope Leo Appoints Pro-Life Bishop Ron Hicks to Lead New York Archdiocese

Pope Leo XIV has appointed pro-life Bishop Ronald Hicks of Joliet, Illinois, as the new archbishop of New York, replacing retiring Cardinal Timothy Dolan.

Cardinal Dolan has been an eloquent and outspoken defender of the pro-life position so pro-life Catholics are delighted his replacement will have the same pro-life perspective.

“I am grateful to Pope Leo for appointing such a splendid priest and bishop to serve you, and have pledged to the archbishop-designate my fidelity and full cooperation, as he will now be my archbishop as well,” Dolan said in a written message to local Catholics.

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The new archbishop said he looked forward to sharing Jesus with people.

“The reason I’m a priest, the reason I’m a bishop, the reason I’m Catholic is because I love Jesus,” he says.

“I grew up in the suburb right next door to Pope Leo, about 14 blocks away from each other. And like Pope Leo, I’m looking for a Church that brings God’s light to the world, His peace, His healing, His love,” he said. “I’m humbled, I’m excited, I’m obedient. All I want to do is God’s will, and however God moves me to be a leader in New York, I want to follow that and just give all of my mind, heart, and soul.”

Hicks was ordained in 1994 for the Archdiocese of Chicago and became bishop of the Diocese of Joliet in 2020.

Hicks, 58, has demonstrated strong pro-life dedication, recently supporting a legal brief urging a federal appeals court to protect healthcare professionals from an Illinois mandate requiring them to discuss abortion benefits or refer patients to abortion businesses.

“The Church has always taught that human dignity extends to all people, from the smallest unborn children to the frailest elderly,” Hicks said in a statement. “Illinois should not force Catholics to violate that belief. We trust the court to uphold our freedom to live and serve according to our faith.”

The bishop’s opposition to abortion and efforts to safeguard conscience rights align with longstanding Catholic teachings against procedures that take human life.

Dennis Poust, executive director of the New York State Catholic Conference, which represents bishops, welcomed Hicks’ appointment.

“Archbishop-designate Hicks is known as a man of deep faith, strong intellect, and a pastoral love for those in his spiritual care,” Poust said in a statement. “We look forward to many years of working with him in his new role as President of the New York State Catholic Conference, and for the guidance and leadership he will provide, along with his brother bishops, in setting the public policy priorities of the Church.”

Hicks, born in Harvey, Illinois, and raised in nearby South Holland, was appointed bishop of Joliet by Pope Francis in 2020. His Midwestern roots mirror those of Pope Leo, who grew up in the Chicago area.

Hicks previously praised the pontiff as “relatable,” telling WGN-TV after Leo’s 2024 election: “He’s a normal guy from a normal neighborhood we grew up in.”

Dolan, 75, submitted his mandatory retirement request in February and has led the archdiocese since 2009.

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