In New York, a New Archbishop Rises to the Challenge
New York Archdiocese officials have announced that Ronald Hicks has been officially installed as the new leader of over 2 million Roman Catholics in and around the five boroughs. The 58-year-old Hicks took over from Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who stepped down at the age of 75, following a nearly two-decade tenure.
Hicks' focus is on re-engaging with members who have lost touch and attracting new people to the faith. He posed this question during a press conference: "How do we pass our faith on to the next generation? How do we be a Church that is relevant, living, and beautiful, sharing our faith together?" The pontifical appointment of Hicks was made in December by Pope Leo XIV, who hails from Chicago, Hicks' birthplace.
Hicks brings a unique perspective to his new role. Growing up 14 blocks away from Pope Leo's childhood home and having spent five years as a missionary in El Salvador have shaped him into the person he is today. He speaks fluent Spanish, which will help him connect with New York City's diverse Catholic population.
While Hicks is considered a centrist figure by some analysts, others worry about his ability to unite the Church in a polarized time. According to David Gibson, director of the Center on Religion and Culture at Fordham University, "I think Archbishop Hicks will try to really be a centrist figure, a unifier."
Cardinal Dolan has praised Hicks as "immensely qualified" for his new role. As he steps into his position, Hicks will lead the Church through Friday's formal installation mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Midtown.
It remains to be seen how Hicks will navigate the complexities of leading New York's Catholic community. However, with his background and his approach, there is hope that the Church can be a beacon of unity and relevance in a rapidly changing world.
New York Archdiocese officials have announced that Ronald Hicks has been officially installed as the new leader of over 2 million Roman Catholics in and around the five boroughs. The 58-year-old Hicks took over from Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who stepped down at the age of 75, following a nearly two-decade tenure.
Hicks' focus is on re-engaging with members who have lost touch and attracting new people to the faith. He posed this question during a press conference: "How do we pass our faith on to the next generation? How do we be a Church that is relevant, living, and beautiful, sharing our faith together?" The pontifical appointment of Hicks was made in December by Pope Leo XIV, who hails from Chicago, Hicks' birthplace.
Hicks brings a unique perspective to his new role. Growing up 14 blocks away from Pope Leo's childhood home and having spent five years as a missionary in El Salvador have shaped him into the person he is today. He speaks fluent Spanish, which will help him connect with New York City's diverse Catholic population.
While Hicks is considered a centrist figure by some analysts, others worry about his ability to unite the Church in a polarized time. According to David Gibson, director of the Center on Religion and Culture at Fordham University, "I think Archbishop Hicks will try to really be a centrist figure, a unifier."
Cardinal Dolan has praised Hicks as "immensely qualified" for his new role. As he steps into his position, Hicks will lead the Church through Friday's formal installation mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Midtown.
It remains to be seen how Hicks will navigate the complexities of leading New York's Catholic community. However, with his background and his approach, there is hope that the Church can be a beacon of unity and relevance in a rapidly changing world.
so i think ronald hicks is gonna do a good job but idk how much he can really make a change... 2 decades under cardinal dolan was a long time, there's gotta be some issues that were already established before Hicks even got in 
. And don't even get me started on his background - a missionary in El Salvador, big whoop 
. I'm sure it's all very impressive to some, but what about the people who are really struggling to make ends meet or deal with everyday life? Does he have any answers for them? 
, like will they be able to tackle teen drama & pressures while still spreading faith? 
I mean, it's great that he wants to engage with younger people but what if he doesn't speak their language? 
has anyone seen the latest school newsletter? 
. one thing though, has anyone thought about how the church is gonna tackle some of the bigger issues like climate change and economic inequality? those are some heavy topics that need some serious discussion 
archbishop hicks seems like he's gonna bring some fresh vibes to the catholic church in new york...I love how he's all about engaging with younger people and making the faith more relatable 
he's got that missionary background which is super inspiring, and fluent spanish skills? that's just fire 
I'm a bit nervous though about him trying to unite the church when it feels like everyone's so divided these days 
. but it's always weird when these high-up clergy guys try to be all "cool" 
. hope he can make a difference 
.
. He seems like a refreshingly down-to-earth guy who's got his finger on the pulse of what the church needs to stay relevant in this crazy world 
. Growing up 14 blocks from Pope Leo XIV's childhood home and having spent time as a missionary in El Salvador is some impressive background stuff, imo 
. The fact that he speaks fluent Spanish will definitely help him connect with the city's diverse community 
. I'm low-key hyped 'bout his Spanish skills tho 
, it's gonna be lit having a Hispanic leader in the Church 
. He's all about bringin' people together & makin' faith relevant for the new gen 
Lead the Church into a more inclusive, modern era... not just keep it stuck in the past like sometimes happens 
But also gotta hope he doesn't get lost in the bureaucracy 
. Fingers crossed for this new Archchurch! 
, that's like a big plus for NY City's diverse community. The way he talks about passing on the faith to the next gen is actually pretty inspiring 
omg i just got back from NYC last month and i was at this awesome church in Brooklyn where they had this huge festival for saints day lol anyway so i talked to this guy who told me he used to know archbishop hicks' dad in chicago like 30 yrs ago idk wut it is but apparently Hicks is super nice and speaks fluent spanish which is dope cuz my abuela loves that about him 
. On a serious note, it'll be interesting to see how he tackles the modern challenges of being a Catholic leader. Can't wait to see how this whole "being relevant" thing plays out 
i mean we need someone who can unite the ppl and get us movin forward, not stuck in the past like cardinal dolan was 
i'm low-key hoping he'll b able 2 unite the church & create a more inclusive community