On December 17, 2025, reports confirmed that Pope Leo XIV is set to accept the resignation of Cardinal Timothy Dolan as Archbishop of New York and appoint Bishop Ronald Hicks of Joliet, Illinois, as his successor. The announcement is expected as early as December 18, marking the end of Dolan's 16-year tenure leading one of the most prominent Catholic archdioceses in the United States, which serves approximately 2.8 million Catholics across nearly 300 parishes.
This transition comes at a pivotal moment for the archdiocese, which has faced significant challenges including declining attendance, parish consolidations, and the ongoing fallout from clergy abuse scandals—culminating in a major financial settlement announced just weeks ago.
Biography of Cardinal Timothy Dolan
Timothy Michael Dolan was born on February 6, 1950, in St. Louis, Missouri, the eldest of five children. Ordained a priest in 1976, he earned a doctorate in American Church history and served in various pastoral and academic roles, including as rector of the Pontifical North American College in Rome from 1994 to 2001.
Dolan was appointed Archbishop of Milwaukee in 2002, where he navigated early waves of the clergy abuse crisis, before being named Archbishop of New York in 2009 by Pope Benedict XVI. Elevated to cardinal in 2012, Dolan became known for his charismatic media presence, humor, and outreach efforts, serving as president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops from 2010 to 2013. He turned 75 in February 2025, submitting his mandatory resignation as required by canon law.
Biography of Bishop Ronald Hicks
Ronald Aldon Hicks, born August 4, 1967, in Harvey, Illinois, and raised in nearby South Holland, brings a Midwestern pastoral style to the role. After graduating from Quigley Preparatory Seminary, he volunteered at an orphanage in Mexico before earning degrees from Loyola University Chicago and the University of St. Mary of the Lake.
Ordained for the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1994, Hicks served in parishes, spent time in missionary work in El Salvador, and rose to vicar general under Cardinal Blase Cupich. He was named auxiliary bishop of Chicago in 2018 and installed as Bishop of Joliet in 2020. At 58, Hicks is fluent in Spanish, experienced in immigrant ministry, and noted for his collaborative leadership—qualities that align with Pope Leo XIV's own Chicago-area roots and missionary background.
Challenges and Decline During Cardinal Dolan's Tenure
Cardinal Dolan's leadership coincided with broader trends affecting U.S. Catholicism, including declining Mass attendance, fewer vocations, and demographic shifts in urban areas. The Archdiocese of New York has seen numerous parish mergers and school closures; for instance, in 2012, 26 schools were identified as at risk. To address financial pressures, the archdiocese sold properties, reduced staff, and cut budgets.
The clergy sexual abuse crisis has been a defining challenge. Just days ago, on December 8-9, 2025, the archdiocese announced plans for a $300 million+ global settlement to resolve approximately 1,300 claims from survivors, funded through asset sales (including high-profile real estate) and operational cuts. This follows years of litigation under New York's Child Victims Act and reflects the heavy toll of past scandals on the archdiocese's resources and reputation.
While Dolan was praised for his public engagement and efforts to renew evangelization, these issues have contributed to a sense among some observers that the archdiocese has contracted in influence and vitality during his era.
Looking Ahead
The appointment of Bishop Hicks signals Pope Leo XIV's preference for pastors with missionary experience and ties to diverse communities. As New York Catholics prepare for this change, many hope the new archbishop will bring fresh energy to revitalizing the faith in a challenging secular environment.
Sources:
- The Pillar: "Confirmed: Joliet's Bishop Hicks to NYC" (December 16, 2025)
- FOX 5 New York: Reports on Dolan's resignation and Hicks appointment (December 16-17, 2025)
- Catholic News Agency/National Catholic Register: Settlement and Hicks profile (December 2025)
- The New York Times: Archdiocese settlement announcement (December 10, 2025)
- Wikipedia and official diocesan sites for biographical details (accessed via search results, December 2025)
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