Start Spreadin’ the News: Archbishop Hicks Comes to New York

Emma Carollo ‘28

On December 18, 2025, Pope Leo XIV named Ronald Hicks the new Archbishop of New York. Less than two months later, on February 6, 2026, he was installed at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, becoming the 11th bishop of the Archdiocese of New York.

Born in Harvey, Illinois, and raised in South Holland, Archbishop Hicks grew up in a Catholic family and felt called to the priesthood at a young age. He was ordained in 1994 for the Archdiocese of Chicago and went on to serve in parish ministry, seminary leadership, and missionary work in El Salvador, where he helped oversee care for orphaned and abandoned children. In 2020, Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Joliet, a role he held until his move to New York.

Archbishop Hicks began his homily in Spanish, quoting lyrics from the hymn “Alma Misionera,” emphasizing that every Catholic is called to be a missionary disciple. He then used a playful compilation of famous New York song lyrics, blending lines from classics like “New York State of Mind” and “New York, New York” to share his excitement about serving in the city. Though he referenced Chicago as “My Kind of Town,” he made clear that he already loves New York.

Hicks also emphasized that the Church is not a country club that serves its members, but a missionary Church sent out to serve the world.

Gratitude also shaped his address. He thanked his family, fellow bishops, civic leaders, and the faithful of both Chicago and New York, expressing his joy as he began this new chapter.