Archbishop Ronald Hicks Inaugurated at St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Archbishop Ronald Hicks was formally installed at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City on Friday, taking over after Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s retirement.

“I happen to love New York. I really do,” Hicks said as he began his term, urging the community to start sharing this enthusiasm. He mentioned, “You should know a few things about me: I love Jesus. I love the church. And I love people.”

Before his new role, Hicks served as the Bishop of Joliet, Illinois, starting in September 2020. Now, he takes his place as the 14th bishop and 11th archbishop in New York’s history.

The installation ceremony followed tradition, with Hicks knocking on the cathedral door before entering, where he was welcomed by Dolan. The beginning included several processions featuring honored guests and fellow clergy.

In his address, Hicks emphasized his vision for the archdiocese, highlighting the need for the church to focus on outreach rather than simply catering to current members. “This is a call to be a missional church, not a country club,” he explained. He noted that while clubs exist for members, churches need to serve all people, motivated by faith and charity in Christ’s name. It wasn’t a critique; it was more of a heartfelt invitation to revisit the church’s purpose.

This transition in leadership from Dolan to Hicks signifies a potential shift in the American church landscape, especially under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, who is the first U.S.-born pope. Some believe Hicks, who aligns with Pope Leo’s perspective, might advocate for progressive stances on issues such as immigration.

Dolan, who had been at the helm since 2009, had announced his retirement in December. He formally resigned in February upon turning 75—a standard practice in the church. Hicks was appointed his successor in December and officially took on his role on Dolan’s birthday, a point he reflected on during his sermon.

During the ceremony, Hicks expressed gratitude to Dolan for his years of service, playfully noting the occasion was also Dolan’s birthday. “Happy birthday to you and ‘ad murtos annos,'” Hicks added, using a Latin phrase that means “longer years.”

Hicks was ordained a priest back in 1994 within the Archdiocese of Chicago. He previously led Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos, a charity that supports orphans in Latin America, from 2005 to 2009. His charity work and fluency in Spanish have enabled him to connect well with immigrant communities, and he has requested Spanish-language liturgies at his new archdiocese.