New York has a New Archbishop
photo of Cardinal Timothy Dolan
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
NEW YORK CITY — In a historic shift for the American Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV has officially accepted the resignation of His Eminence Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan as the Archbishop of New York.
Marking the end of a nearly 17-year tenure for one of the most recognizable religious figures in the world, the Vatican simultaneously announced that Most Reverend Ronald A. Hicks, the current Bishop of Joliet, Illinois, will succeed Dolan as the Metropolitan Archbishop of New York.A Changing of the Guard: Meet Archbishop-Elect Ronald Hicks.
The transition, publicized on December 18, 2025, by the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, brings a new leader to an Archdiocese spanning over 4,600 square miles and serving over 1.5 million Catholics.
Bishop Ronald Hicks, known for his administrative expertise and pastoral warmth in Joliet, steps into what is often called “The Crossroads of the World.” He inherits a vibrant but complex Archdiocese that includes Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, and seven Hudson Valley counties.
The Legacy of Cardinal Timothy Dolan: The “People’s Cardinal”
Cardinal Dolan’s retirement at age 75 closes a chapter on a career defined by “joyful orthodoxy.” Since arriving in New York in 2009, Dolan became the unmistakable face of the U.S. Church—as comfortable trading jokes on late-night talk shows as he was defending Church doctrine in the public square. Many of the faithful would often felt Cardinal Dolan was a person they could have a beer with .
A Titan of the Public Square
Dolan’s impact stretched far beyond the walls of St. Patrick’s Cathedral:
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Defender of Religious Liberty: As President of the USCCB, he famously led the “Fortnight for Freedom” campaign, fighting government mandates that challenged religious conscience.
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Political Bridge-Builder: He maintained the Al Smith Memorial Dinner as a rare space where political rivals could share a meal and a laugh, refusing to let the Church be co-opted by any single political party.
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A Conclave Participant: Having participated in the elections of both Pope Francis (2013) and Pope Leo XIV (2025), Dolan remains one of the most influential American prelates in modern Vatican history.
“Say what you want about Cardinal Dolan, but he has always been the go-to Cardinal to have a beer with,” locals often remarked—a testament to his Midwestern charm and “down-to-earth” Missouri roots.
By the Numbers: The Archdiocese of New York
The scale of the responsibility shifting to Archbishop-elect Hicks is immense:
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Total Population: 5,445,700
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Catholic Population: 1,572,580
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Geographic Scope: 4,683 square miles
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Key Landmarks: St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Catholic Charities NY, and hundreds of schools and parishes.
What’s Next for Cardinal Dolan?
While he steps back from “pastoral governance,” Cardinal Dolan is expected to remain a vocal force in the Church. Whether through his books, radio broadcasts, or continued role in the College of Cardinals, his “intact wit” and “moral clarity” will likely continue to influence Catholic life for years to come.
As the Church in New York prepares for the installation of Archbishop Hicks, the faithful are reflecting on Dolan’s parting model of leadership: confident, unapologetic, and always hopeful.
Quick Facts: The Succession
| Title | Outgoing Leader | Incoming Leader |
| Name | Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan | Bishop Ronald A. Hicks |
| Origin | St. Louis, Missouri | Chicago/Joliet, Illinois |
| Legacy | Religious Liberty & Pro-Life Advocacy | Pastoral Renewal & Growth |
| Effective Date | December 18, 2025 | TBD (Installation) |
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