New York Archbishop Hicks Marks Inaugural Mass with Nods to Local Rivals

The 58-year-old former bishop of Joliet, Illinois takes the reins from Cardinal Timothy Dolan.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Archbishop Ronald Hicks, the new head of the New York Archdiocese, marked his inaugural Sunday Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral with cheeky references to converting him from his Chicago Cubs fandom and deep-dish pizza preferences. Hicks emphasized priorities like evangelization, caring for the poor and vulnerable, and defending life from conception to natural death.

Why it matters

As the new leader of one of the largest Catholic archdioceses in the country, Hicks' priorities and approach will have a significant impact on the 2.5 million Catholics in the New York region. His willingness to engage in some lighthearted banter about local rivalries also signals an openness to connect with the community.

The details

In his first homily, Hicks discussed the word 'however' and how it can be used to reveal deeper truths. He joked that New Yorkers were already trying to convert him from his Chicago Cubs and deep-dish pizza preferences. Hicks also emphasized his priorities of evangelization, caring for the poor and vulnerable, and defending life from conception to natural death.

  • Archbishop Hicks was officially installed as the 11th Archbishop of New York on Friday, February 6, 2026.
  • Hicks gave his inaugural Sunday Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral on February 8, 2026.

The players

Archbishop Ronald Hicks

The 58-year-old former bishop of Joliet, Illinois who was recently named the 11th Archbishop of New York, taking over from Cardinal Timothy Dolan.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan

The previous Archbishop of New York, who served in the role from 2009 until his retirement in 2026.

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope who appointed Archbishop Hicks to the New York Archdiocese in December 2025.

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What they’re saying

“The word 'however' introduces a contrast and not necessarily a contradiction.”

— Archbishop Ronald Hicks, Archbishop of New York

“Many people are going to go to a Super Bowl party today. However, some of them will only watch the commercials.”

— Archbishop Ronald Hicks, Archbishop of New York

“People here in New York have been saying to me, '...It's good that you're a Cub fan. However, we're going to get you to a Yankees game or a Mets game.'”

— Archbishop Ronald Hicks, Archbishop of New York

“It's fine that you like deep-dish pizza. However, you are going to love New York pizza.”

— Archbishop Ronald Hicks, Archbishop of New York

What’s next

Archbishop Hicks will continue to settle into his new role, overseeing the $300 million settlement involving sex-abuse victims of clergy in the archdiocese that was negotiated by his predecessor, Cardinal Dolan.

The takeaway

As the new leader of one of the largest Catholic archdioceses in the country, Archbishop Hicks has signaled an openness to engage with the local community and culture, while also emphasizing his priorities of evangelization, caring for the vulnerable, and defending life - a delicate balance as he takes the reins from Cardinal Dolan.