Meet Archbishop Ronald Hicks: The New Spiritual Leader Guiding New York’s Catholic Community

On Friday, Archbishop Ronald Hicks was ceremoniously appointed as New York’s leading Catholic figure, sharing his vision for a Church that prioritizes people over politics. His installation took place at the historic St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan, a prominent setting for his new role.

“We are called to be a missionary Church, not a private club,” Hicks proclaimed. “While a club serves its members, the Church is dedicated to reaching out and serving everyone, fueled by faith, hope, and charity, in the name of Jesus Christ. This is not a critique, but rather an invitation for perpetual renewal and understanding of our purpose.”

The installation drew a crowd of New Yorkers, visitors, and dignitaries, all gathered to witness Hicks assume control of one of the nation’s most influential religious platforms.

Despite the biting cold, Hicks, adorned in a vibrant red robe, stood unfazed on the cathedral steps, signaling the dawn of a new chapter in service and worship on America’s grand Catholic stage.

Upon finally entering the cathedral—after ceremoniously knocking three times on the door with his pastoral staff—Hicks was met with a standing ovation, resounding applause, and a flurry of cellphone cameras capturing the jubilant occasion.

“The world has always and will always need a missionary Church,” Hicks emphasized. “A Church that nurtures active disciples rather than passive observers.”

Hicks drew loud applause when he spoke of upholding life from conception until a natural death, and when he extolled championing “unity across cultures and generations.”

But he got the biggest reaction when he spoke of his love for music and songs about Chicago and New York.

“Chicago will always be my kind of town,” he said. “But I’m in a New York state of mind.”

Not among the crowd was Mayor Mamdani, who didn’t attend due to a scheduling conflict. He congratulated the new archbishop in a post on X. Deputy Mayor Helen Arteaga attended.

Hicks, 58, who most recently was bishop of Joliet, Illinois, was appointed last month by Pope Leo, a fellow Chicagoan, signaling a more progressive New York archdiocese.

He replaces Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who had been New York’s archbishop since 2009.

Born in Harvey, Ill., Hicks grew up in South Holland, not far from the Chicago suburb of Dalton, where the pontiff was raised.

The two “played in the same parks, went swimming in the same pools, liked the same pizza places” Hicks told WG9 last year, when Leo began his tenure as leader of the Catholic Church. Their similarities extend to much of their ideologies, as well.

Like Leo, Hicks has embraced a more welcoming and inclusive vision of Catholicism, in part inspired by the late Pope Francis, with a specific focus on social justice.

Hicks has also already shown a willingness to push back against the Trump administration.

Last year, he endorsed a special message from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops condemning recent immigration raids, which have targeted Chicago in particular.

Hicks sang along with the ceremony’s opening hymn, “All Creatures of Our God and King,” before greeting the faithful and affirming his call.

“I accept the mandate of the Roman pontiff for the pastoral care of the people of God in the Archdiocese of New York,” Hicks said. “I resolve to serve faithfully the spiritual needs of this particular church.”

The changing of the guard began with birthday greetings for Dolan, who turned 76 on the same day he was stepping down. The thickly packed crowd joined together in a rousing chorus of “Happy Birthday” to the visibly humbled cardinal.

Dolan had submitted his offer to resign back last year, as is required of all bishops once they turn 75.

The New York Archdiocese serves 2.5 million Catholics in Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island, as well as seven counties to the north of the city.