New York Archdiocese Installs New Archbishop Ronald Hicks, Promising to Re-Engage with Faithful
In a significant move, the New York Archdiocese has appointed 58-year-old Archbishop Ronald Hicks as its new leader, succeeding Cardinal Timothy Dolan who stepped down due to age. While no white smoke signal was involved in the selection process, the appointment marks an important shift for the archdiocese.
Hicks, a veteran bishop with experience serving in Illinois and El Salvador, brings a fresh perspective to the role. He has expressed his commitment to re-engaging with Catholics who have lost touch with their faith, as well as attracting new members to the Church. In a recent press conference, Hicks outlined his vision, asking how the Catholic Church can "pass on its faith" to future generations and be "relevant, living, and beautiful."
As the archbishop-elect, Hicks has spoken of his admiration for Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, which he shares with Pope Francis himself. With the pontiff hailing from Chicago, Hicks' appointment marks a unique connection between the US and Italy.
One notable aspect of Hicks' background is his fluency in Spanish, which will enable him to connect with New York City's diverse Catholic population. As the archdiocese prepares for his formal installation at St. Patrick's Cathedral on Friday, Hicks has vowed to be a centrist figure and unifier, echoing Pope Francis' mantra of "unity."
Cardinal Dolan, who praised Hicks as "immensely qualified," will remain a key ally in the new archbishop's efforts. The transition marks an important step forward for the New York Archdiocese, which now looks towards the future with renewed hope and optimism under Archbishop Ronald Hicks' leadership.
Hicks' prayer service at St. Patrick's Cathedral on Thursday evening marked a significant moment in his journey to the top, and he will be formally installed during a mass there at 2 p.m. on Friday.
In a significant move, the New York Archdiocese has appointed 58-year-old Archbishop Ronald Hicks as its new leader, succeeding Cardinal Timothy Dolan who stepped down due to age. While no white smoke signal was involved in the selection process, the appointment marks an important shift for the archdiocese.
Hicks, a veteran bishop with experience serving in Illinois and El Salvador, brings a fresh perspective to the role. He has expressed his commitment to re-engaging with Catholics who have lost touch with their faith, as well as attracting new members to the Church. In a recent press conference, Hicks outlined his vision, asking how the Catholic Church can "pass on its faith" to future generations and be "relevant, living, and beautiful."
As the archbishop-elect, Hicks has spoken of his admiration for Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, which he shares with Pope Francis himself. With the pontiff hailing from Chicago, Hicks' appointment marks a unique connection between the US and Italy.
One notable aspect of Hicks' background is his fluency in Spanish, which will enable him to connect with New York City's diverse Catholic population. As the archdiocese prepares for his formal installation at St. Patrick's Cathedral on Friday, Hicks has vowed to be a centrist figure and unifier, echoing Pope Francis' mantra of "unity."
Cardinal Dolan, who praised Hicks as "immensely qualified," will remain a key ally in the new archbishop's efforts. The transition marks an important step forward for the New York Archdiocese, which now looks towards the future with renewed hope and optimism under Archbishop Ronald Hicks' leadership.
Hicks' prayer service at St. Patrick's Cathedral on Thursday evening marked a significant moment in his journey to the top, and he will be formally installed during a mass there at 2 p.m. on Friday.