Pope Leo XIV Replaces Conservative Cardinal Timothy Dolan With Progressive Bishop Ronald Hicks in Major New York Shakeup
Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Timothy Dolan and appointed Bishop Ronald Hicks as the new Archbishop of New York, marking the pope's most consequential U.S. appointment and signaling a decisive shift away from conservative leadership in one of America's most influential archdioceses.
Hicks, 58, currently Bishop of Joliet, Illinois, will succeed Dolan, 75, who led the New York archdiocese for 16 years and became one of the most prominent conservative voices in American Catholicism. Dolan submitted his mandatory resignation in February upon turning 75, with Pope Leo accepting it before his 76th birthday in what observers describe as a deliberate move to install his preferred candidate quickly.
The appointment represents a stark contrast in styles and priorities. Dolan, who prayed at Trump's inaugurations, appeared frequently on Fox News, spoke at the Republican National Convention, and leaned into culture war battles, championed conservative causes and maintained high visibility in political and media spheres.
Hicks, described as a moderate progressive, has largely avoided political commentary and instead emphasizes pastoral ministry, particularly among immigrant communities.
Both Hicks and Pope Leo grew up in Chicago's south suburbs and worked as missionaries in Latin America, with Pope Leo serving in Peru and Hicks directing orphan care programs in El Salvador for five years. The shared background and similar pastoral approach suggest Hicks' appointment reflects Pope Leo's vision for American Catholic leadership moving forward.
Hicks will oversee approximately 2.5 million Catholics across Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, and seven northern counties. His first major challenge involves implementing a $300 million settlement fund for clergy sexual abuse victims, finalized by Dolan last week to resolve roughly 1,300 outstanding claims through budget cuts and asset sales including recent real estate liquidations.
Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago, considered a progressive leader and close adviser to both Pope Francis and Pope Leo, served as Hicks' mentor and likely endorsed the appointment. Cupich made Hicks vicar general of Chicago in 2015, auxiliary bishop in 2018, and supported his elevation to Joliet in 2020 under Pope Francis.
THE CRUSADER'S OPINION
Pope Leo just replaced a cardinal who defended Christian values publicly with a bishop who avoids politics.
Dolan fought culture wars. Hicks emphasizes pastoral care.
Dolan appeared on Fox News defending traditional teaching. Hicks worked with immigrants in El Salvador.
This isn't coincidence. This is intentional.
The New York archdiocese gets progressive leadership aligned with Pope Leo's vision while conservatives lose their most visible American voice.
Dolan wasn't perfect. But he spoke when other bishops stayed silent.
Now he's replaced by someone whose claim to fame is avoiding political commentary.
American Catholics just lost a fighter and gained a pastor who prefers quiet.
That might be great for immigrants. Questionable for defending Christianity in hostile culture.
Watch what Hicks does, not what media says about him.
TAKE ACTION
Contact Archbishop Designate Hicks: Archdiocese of New York Phone: +1 (212) 371-1000 Message: "Congratulations on your appointment. New York Catholics need leadership that defends biblical teaching publicly and fights religious freedom violations aggressively. We're watching to see if you'll speak truth or stay silent."
Support Traditional Catholic Organizations: Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights Website: https://catholicleague.org Phone: +1 (212) 371-3191
Monitor His Leadership: Pay attention to Archbishop Hicks' first public statements, priorities, and positions on controversial issues. Does he defend Catholic teaching or emphasize accommodation?
Start a Conversation: Ask Catholics: "Dolan fought publicly for Christian values. Hicks avoids politics. Which does New York need more: pastoral care or public defense of the faith? Can you have both?"
Pray for New Leadership: Pray that Archbishop Hicks will courageously proclaim Catholic truth regardless of cultural opposition and political pressure.
Demand Accountability on Abuse Settlement: The $300 million fund requires selling church assets. Ensure transparency about which properties are sold and that settlements actually reach victims rather than lawyers.
