Summary
Ronald Hicks was installed as the new archbishop of New York, succeeding Cardinal Timothy Dolan in an elaborate ceremony at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Friday. Hicks, 58, is the 11th archbishop for the city and serves approximately 2.5 million Catholics across Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, and seven northern counties. With a focus on spreading the faith while showing respect to all people, particularly the vulnerable, Hicks took over as leader of the largest U.S. Catholic archdiocese when he officially became the new archbishop after his appointment by Pope Francis in December. The ceremony included traditional elements such as choir singing, prayers, and readings from the Gospel. Prior to Hicks’ installation, Dolan had submitted his resignation due to reaching the mandatory retirement age at 75, and he finalized plans for a $300 million fund to compensate victims of sexual abuse who sued the archdiocese. During the ceremony, Hicks paid homage to New York by reciting lines from famous songs about the city. The installation came shortly after Dolan’s 76th birthday, as Hicks aims to build unity across cultures and generations in the church. The event featured diverse attendees including Catholic Church leaders, members of other faiths, representatives from various sectors, and Hicks’ relatives who watched from home.
Key Topics
Pope Leo XIV, Archbishop Ronald Hicks, Catholic Church hierarchy
