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Ronald Hicks Named Archbishop of New York, Bringing Extensive Pastoral Experience
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The Archdiocese of New York is preparing to welcome a new spiritual leader, as Pope Francis has appointed the most Reverend Ronald A. Hicks as its next archbishop, with an installation planned for February 2026. This appointment marks the culmination of a distinguished career dedicated to service within the Catholic Church, spanning pastoral care, education, and international outreach.
A Life of service: From Illinois Roots to New york Leadership
Born on august 4, 1967, in Harvey, Illinois, to Ronald and Roselee Hicks, the future archbishop’s journey began in the parish of St. Jude the Apostle in South Holland, Illinois. He is one of three children, with a younger brother named Rick. His early education laid the foundation for a life devoted to faith and learning.
Hicks’ academic pursuits included graduation from Quigley preparatory Seminary South in 1985, followed by a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from Niles College of Loyola University, chicago, in 1989. He continued his theological studies, earning both a Master of Divinity degree in 1994 and a Doctor of Ministry degree in 2003 from the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois.
from Priesthood to Bishop: A Rising Leader in the Church
Ordination and Early Ministry: On May 21,1994,ronald Hicks was ordained as a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago. he initially served as an associate pastor at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Chicago (1994-1996) and later at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Orland Hills,Illinois (1996-1999).
Formation and International Outreach: From 1999 to 2005, Hicks dedicated himself to the formation of future priests as the dean of formation at St. Joseph College Seminary in Chicago. Demonstrating a commitment to global service, he then served as regional director of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) in Central America from July 2005 to 2010. NPH provides care for over 3,400 orphaned and abandoned children across nine Latin American and Caribbean countries.
Leadership Roles in Chicago: Returning to the United States, Hicks served as the dean of formation at mundelein Seminary from 2010 to 2014, while also assisting with weekend Masses at St. Jerome Parish in Chicago. His administrative skills were further recognized with his appointment as Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Chicago on January 1, 2015, by Cardinal Blase Cupich. He was subsequently ordained as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago on September 17, 2018.
Bishop of Joliet and Now, Archbishop of New York
Pope Francis appointed Bishop Hicks as the sixth bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Joliet, illinois, on July 17, 2020. he was installed at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet on September 29, 2020. During his time in Joliet, he continued to demonstrate a commitment to pastoral care and community engagement.
Now, with his appointment as Archbishop of New York on December 18, 2025, Hicks brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership to one of the most prominent archdioceses in the United States. he also currently serves on the Commitee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), acting as a liaison to several key organizations including the Association of Ongoing Formation of Priests and the National Association of Diaconate Directors. He is also a member of the USCCB’s Charter review Workgroup, the Catholic Extension Society, and the Mundelein Seminary Advisory Board.
The Archdiocese of New York eagerly anticipates the arrival of Archbishop Hicks, confident that his leadership will guide the faithful through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Did you know?-Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) was founded in 1954 by Father William Wasson to provide homes and support for orphaned children in Mexico.
