A seismic shift is poised to occur within the Catholic Church, with Bishop Ronald Hicks of Joliet widely expected to become the next Archbishop of New York. The announcement could come as early as this week, marking the end of Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s distinguished tenure.
Cardinal Dolan submitted his mandatory retirement request to Pope Leo XIV in February, reaching the age of 75 – a traditional milestone for bishops. The timing of the potential transition, however, is raising eyebrows, with many noting the unusual nature of replacing a beloved cardinal so close to Christmas.
Bishop Hicks, at 58, has rapidly emerged as the frontrunner. His background, rooted in the Midwest, and his growing reputation within the Church are believed to be key factors in his potential appointment.
Born and raised in Illinois, Hicks’ connection to Pope Leo XIV’s own upbringing in the Chicago region is seen as a significant advantage. He openly expressed a sense of connection to the new Pope after his election earlier this year, describing him as “relatable” and “a normal guy.”
The Archdiocese of New York faces immense challenges as it navigates a period of profound difficulty. More than 1,300 clergy sexual-abuse claims have surfaced, demanding a substantial financial response.
To address these claims, the archdiocese is undertaking a massive fundraising effort, aiming to raise approximately $300 million for settlements. This has necessitated difficult decisions, including staff layoffs and a 10% reduction in the operating budget.
The financial strain has also prompted the sale of significant assets, including the land beneath the iconic Lotte New York Palace Hotel for $490 million, and the former archdiocesan headquarters at 1011 First Avenue for an additional $100 million.
The incoming Archbishop will inherit these weighty responsibilities, tasked with leading the archdiocese through a complex period of healing and financial restructuring. The coming days will reveal whether Bishop Hicks is the leader chosen to navigate this challenging path.
