Ronald Hicks Installed as New York Archbishop: Vision & Priorities

The new archbishop plans to focus on building bridges and engaging with the wider world.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Ronald Hicks was installed as the 11th archbishop of the Archdiocese of New York on Friday in a ceremony at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Hicks, formerly the bishop of Joliet, Illinois, outlined his vision for the archdiocese, which serves approximately 2.5 million Catholics, emphasizing themes of gratitude, passing on the faith to future generations, and being a 'missionary church' that engages with the wider world.

Why it matters

The appointment of Hicks, chosen by Pope Leo in December, marks a potential shift in leadership for the Archdiocese of New York. Given that Leo and the U.S. Hierarchy have previously challenged the Trump administration on issues like immigration, Hicks's installation could signal a continuation of that willingness to engage in public discourse.

The details

Hicks, 58, described his vision as one of a 'missionary church,' stating, 'I'm going to talk just about being a church who's made up of missionary disciples who aim for to go out and make disciples, and also to pass our faith on to the next generations.' He also intends to focus on building bridges and engaging with the wider world. The installation ceremony included Catholic leaders, members of the laity, and representatives from various sectors of society, including other faiths, government, business, labor, education, the arts, and first responders.

  • The installation ceremony was held on Friday, February 6, 2026.
  • Cardinal Timothy Dolan submitted his resignation in February after reaching the age of 75, as required by church law.

The players

Ronald Hicks

The 58-year-old former bishop of Joliet, Illinois, who was chosen by Pope Leo in December to become the 11th archbishop of the Archdiocese of New York.

Pope Leo

The current Pope who chose Ronald Hicks to become the new archbishop of New York.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan

The previous archbishop of New York who submitted his resignation in February after reaching the age of 75, as required by church law.

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What they’re saying

“I'm going to talk just about being a church who's made up of missionary disciples who aim for to go out and make disciples, and also to pass our faith on to the next generations.”

— Ronald Hicks, Archbishop of New York (newsy-today.com)

“Everyone. Everyone will be in attendance.”

— Ronald Hicks, Archbishop of New York (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The installation ceremony, scheduled for 2 p.m., will include Catholic leaders, members of the laity, and representatives from various sectors of society, including other faiths, government, business, labor, education, the arts, and first responders.

The takeaway

As Hicks prepares to lead one of the largest archdioceses in the nation, his emphasis on collaboration and engagement could have a significant impact on the Catholic Church's role in public life, potentially signaling a continuation of the church's willingness to challenge political leaders on issues like immigration.