Pope Leo XIV, the first American‑born pope and a former missionary in Peru, has appointed Bishop Ronald Hicks as the new Archbishop of New York, a move widely interpreted as a sign that the Catholic Church intends to take a more assertive stance on immigration during Donald Trump’s presidency. The appointment places a vocal advocate for migrant rights in one of the most influential Catholic posts in the United States.
Hicks, 58, has firsthand experience working in countries from which millions have emigrated to the United States, a background that Vatican officials say shaped his strong pastoral focus on migrant communities. His appointment comes at a time when the Trump administration has intensified its anti‑immigration policies, prompting increasingly vocal criticism from the U.S. Catholic hierarchy.
The New York archdiocese has long played a central role in shaping national debates on social justice and humanitarian issues. Hicks will succeed Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the long‑serving Archbishop of New York and one of the most publicly recognizable Catholic leaders in the country. Dolan turned 75 earlier this year, the age at which bishops must submit their resignation to the pope, and his departure closes a chapter marked by his national visibility and influence.
Dolan’s leadership is central to understanding the significance of Hicks’ appointment. As the outgoing head of one of the most powerful dioceses in the United States, Dolan helped define the Church’s public posture during years of political turbulence, including the Trump administration’s immigration battles. His retirement creates an opening for Pope Leo to redirect the tone and priorities of the U.S. Church — especially on immigration, where Hicks’ views differ from Dolan’s more cautious approach.
Dolan, known for his media presence and ability to navigate political circles, maintained relationships across the political spectrum but had a notably warmer rapport with President Trump than Pope Francis did. He offered prayers at Trump’s 2017 and 2025 inaugurations and publicly praised the president’s expressions of faith, a contrast that often placed him at the center of debates about the Church’s political neutrality.
Earlier this year, Dolan drew criticism when he compared the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk to Saint Paul, a remark many Catholics viewed as excessive. His high‑profile style often made him a lightning rod for both praise and controversy, shaping the environment Hicks will now inherit.
Hicks’ pastoral identity was shaped in part by years spent in Latin America, including a five‑year mission in El Salvador supporting abandoned and orphaned children, as well as earlier work in Mexico. His background mirrors the trajectory of Pope Leo, who spent many years as a missionary and bishop in Peru. Both men come from the Chicago area, a connection Hicks has described as deeply personal, noting that they grew up in neighboring communities and shared similar childhood experiences.
Last month, Hicks issued a public statement “expressing our solidarity with all our brothers and sisters,” after U.S. bishops delivered a rare collective rebuke of the White House’s immigration policies. He said their message reflected “concerns, opposition, and hopes with clarity and conviction,” signaling his willingness to confront federal policy directly.
Catholic analysts say Hicks is viewed as a bridge‑builder rather than a culture‑war figure. Commentator Michael Sean Winters described him as a “listener” who avoids ideological battles and has worked effectively with bishops across the theological spectrum. Hicks has opposed efforts by some U.S. bishops to deny communion to President Biden, reflecting his preference for dialogue over confrontation. He is also known for his commitment to Catholic social teaching, including labor rights, economic justice and advocacy for marginalized communities — hallmarks of Chicago’s Catholic tradition.
Hicks’ appointment is also believed to have the support of Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago, a close ally of Pope Leo and a key figure in the Vatican office that oversees bishop appointments. Cupich has long championed migrant rights and was a strong supporter of Pope Francis’ reforms, even as the late pontiff faced resistance from some U.S. bishops.
As archbishop, Hicks will also inherit the ongoing fallout from the clerical abuse crisis. The archdiocese recently announced a $300 million fund to compensate roughly 1,300 survivors, a process that will require significant property sales and financial restructuring. Hicks has previously said the Church must confront wrongdoing directly and transparently.
Hicks is expected to take office early next year, with his installation Mass likely to draw significant political and religious attention. Supporters say his Chicago upbringing and pastoral resilience have prepared him for the challenges ahead, noting that “if you grew up on the South Side, you learn how to take a punch and get back up.”
