Pope Leo XIV is anticipated to designate Bishop Ronald Hicks from Joliet as the upcoming archbishop of New York, succeeding Cardinal Timothy Dolan, potentially as soon as this week, according to a source closely connected with the archdiocese.
This announcement follows Cardinal Dolan’s submission of his mandatory retirement notice to Pope Leo in February upon reaching the age of 75.
“There’s speculation that Pope Leo might accept Cardinal Dolan’s resignation this week and name Bishop Ron Hicks as his successor,” the source informed Fox News Digital.
Bishop Ronald Hicks of Joliet is anticipated to be named New York’s next archbishop. (YouTube/Diocese of Joliet)
The source also remarked that “it would be quite unusual to replace a cherished cardinal right before the Christmas season.”
This recent development suggests an impending change in leadership for one of the globe’s most significant Catholic archdioceses, notably occurring just ahead of Christmas.
Dolan has served as archbishop of New York since 2009, when Pope Benedict XVI appointed him after his tenure in Milwaukee.
Hicks, 58, could have emerged as a leading contender because of his Midwestern roots and reputation.
Cardinal Dolan joined Maria Bartiromo for an exclusive interview at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, (Fox News/Screengrab)
Born in Harvey, Illinois, and raised in South Holland, Hicks was appointed bishop of Joliet by Pope Francis in 2020.
His ties to Illinois and to the Chicago region, where Pope Leo also grew up, could be seen as strengthening his standing.
Speaking about the pontiff shortly after his election in 2024, Hicks told WGN-TV that the pope felt “relatable,” noting, “He’s a normal guy from a normal neighborhood we grew up in.”
Pope Leo XIV boards a plane to Ankara at Rome’s Fiumicino international airport, Italy, on November 27, 2025. (Riccardo De Luca/Anadolu via Getty Images)
On Monday, Rob Astorino, a Westchester County executive with ties to Dolan and the New York archdiocese, shared a post on X on the matter.
“Strong rumors that @Pontifex has accepted the resignation of @CardinalDolan and will appoint Bishop Ron Hicks of Joliet, Illinois,” the post read.
If confirmed, Hicks would also take over leadership at a moment of difficulty for the Archdiocese of New York.
The church is confronting more than 1,300 clergy sexual-abuse claims, prompting an urgent need to raise approximately $300 million in settlement funds.
On Dec. 9, the archdiocese announced it would compensate victims, according to Fox 5.
To meet these obligations, the archdiocese has enacted layoffs, cut its operating budget by 10%, and begun selling major real estate assets.
It also announced the $490 million sale of the land beneath the Lotte New York Palace Hotel, while another $100 million is expected from selling its former headquarters at 1011 First Avenue.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Archdiocese of New York and the Diocese of Joliet for comment.
