Today, the Vatican officially announced that Pope Leo XIV has appointed Most Rev. Ronald A. Hicks as Archbishop of New York City, following Leo’s acceptance of the resignation of Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who turned 75 – the canonical age for retirement – earlier this year. Bishop Hicks currently serves as Bishop of the Diocese of Joliet, where Viatorians minister, including in four parishes, following Bishop Hicks’ time as a priest and auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Chicago, where we also minister.
On the occasion of this appointment, Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, Provincial, has shared the letter of thanksgiving he has sent to Bishop Hicks:
Dear Bishop Hicks,
Announcement via USCCB.org/USCCB social media.
I received the news of your appointment as Archbishop of New York with both joy and sadness. I was joyful because the people of the New York Archdiocese will have a wonderful new shepherd who has both the sensitivity and talent to proclaim Jesus Christ in their very multicultural context with special emphasis on serving the poor and marginalized. I was sad because you will be leaving Joliet and the Viatorians will not have the opportunity to continue to work with you and benefit from your leadership.
In our collaboration with you, we have consistently experienced your deep respect for religious life and for the mission and charism of the Viatorians. Your support, counsel, and pastoral presence have strengthened our ministry and enabled us to serve more effectively in the name of the Gospel.
Know that our prayers are with you as you begin this new chapter of episcopal ministry. May God grant you wisdom, courage, and peace as you generously undertake this ministry to the people of New York. Be assured of our continued support and collaboration.
In Christ and St Viator,
Very Rev. Mark R. Francis, CSV
Provincial Superior
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To learn more about our collaborations with Bishop Hicks, we invite you to read these stories from earlier this year on Bishop Hicks’ pastoral letter MAKE; his installation of Bishop Christopher Glancy, CSV, as pastor of St. Patrick in Kankakee; and his visit to Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary for a talk during Camp MOSH.