ARCHBISHOP OF NEW YORK
Ronald A. Hicks
‘At the Center of Everything is Faith’:
Archbishop-Designate Ronald Hicks Meets the New York Media
In his first solo press conference, the Archdiocese of New York’s incoming leader addressed issues of faith, his leadership style, and previewed Thursday and Friday’s installation events
By: Steven Schwankert
Seven weeks to the hour after he was first introduced as the next Archbishop of New York, Archbishopdesignate Ronald Hicks returned to a podium at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, focused on faith and service to Jesus as his priorities as the new leader of the Archdiocese of New York.
“At the center of everything is faith. And so all the issues, so many of them, are important, but one of my focuses is going to be on evangelization. How do we actually be disciples who make disciples? People who have been a part of the Church, but maybe not so much, how do we re-engage? How do we pass
our faith on to the next generation? How do we be a Church that is relevant, living, and beautiful, sharing our faith together? So it’s really living out that evangelizing mission of the Church,” he said in response to a question from The Good Newsroom.
The outgoing Bishop of Joliet, Illinois, met with reporters on the morning of Thursday, February 5. Before making any remarks, Archbishop-designate Hicks introduced himself personally to each of the journalists present.
A Cubs fan in New York
Archbishop-designate Hicks reiterated statements and sentiments he expressed on December 18, 2025, when
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Archbishop-designate Ronald Hicks answers questions during a press conference at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on February 5, 2026. Photo by Shannon Raphael/The Good Newsroom
Un nuevo pastor para Nueva York:
Ronald Hicks y su mensaje de ‘Paz y Bien’
Por: Fernanda Pierorazio
Apocas horas de la Misa de Instalación, el arzobispo designado Ronald A. Hicks compartió sus sentimientos y reflexiones en una rueda de prensa previa a este momento histórico para la Arquidiócesis de Nueva York. Desde la Catedral de San Patricio, destacó la importancia de caminar juntos como Iglesia, de que la Misa de Instalación sea bilingüe y de que está preparado para esta nueva etapa de su ministerio en Nueva York. Además, envió un mensaje especial a la comunidad hispana.
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he was announced as the new archdiocesan leader. Among those were his fondness for both the Chicago Cubs baseball team and for the deep-dish pizza popular in his native northern Illinois. “I have never met a pizza that I don’t like. I look forward to continuing that debate while living here,” the 58-year-old said.
I don’t want to be seen as only the CEO or corporate president of a group. I’m called here to be a pastor.
More seriously, he repeated his first words from that December press conference: “I love Jesus, I love the Church, I love people, and out of that relationship, I strive to love my neighbor.”
Asked how he interprets the vision of his fellow Chicagoan Pope Leo, and how he will carry it out, he said, “What you’ll notice also about Pope Leo, which I think is a very good thing, is he tends to listen more than he talks, and I also want to follow his model. I want to listen to what he says, understand it, reflect on it, pray about it, and then say, ‘How am I going to help lead and interpret this for the people of God here in the Archdiocese of New York?’”
Archbishop-designate Ronald Hicks answers questions during a press conference at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on February 5, 2026. Photo by Gregory A. Shemitz/OSV News.
Working together for the common good Archbishop-designate Hicks said that he has not yet had an opportunity to talk to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who took office on January 1, but that he looks forward to doing so. “I’d like to make sure we pay attention to what are those things that we can work together on for the common good,” he said.
Responding to a question about his message for immigrant Catholics in the archdiocese, he said, “My response comes from a clear understanding in the Catholic Church and our social justice teaching of what is human dignity. My message is: How do we treat each other with respect? How simply do we see each other as brothers and sisters and use that as a foundation for everything else?”
A shepherd, not a CEO
As to his leadership style, Archbishop-designate Hicks likened himself more to a church leader than a secular one. “I don’t want to be seen as only the CEO or corporate president of a group. I’m called here to be a pastor. I’m called here to be a shepherd, and as shepherd, my desire is to be a good shepherd,” he said.
The archbishop-designate previewed both the Solemn Vespers and the Installation Mass, scheduled for Thursday evening and Friday afternoon, respectively, to highlight his family’s participation. His eldest nephew, Grant Hicks, will present the first reading at Vespers. On Friday, siblings, nieces, and nephews will bring up the offertory gifts during the Installation Mass.
Archbishop-designate Hicks was named the 11th Archbishop of New York, following the acceptance of Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s resignation by Pope Leo XIV on December 18, 2025.
Archbishop-Designate Ronald A. Hicks Leads Solemn Vespers Ahead of Installation
By: Patrick Grady
Archbishop-designate Hicks proclaimed a message of unity in his homily from the pulpit of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral during Solemn Vespers on Thursday evening, ahead of his Installation Mass on Friday.
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I thought it was just a wonderful ceremony, which we got to pray together with the new Archbishop.
– Monsignor Kevin Sullivan
Executive Director-Emeritus,
Catholic Charities NY
It was a great joy to have so many of our young people from our religious education programs across the Archdiocese here with their parents and with their directors of religious education.
– Sister Mary Grace Walsh
Superintendant,
Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of NY
Vísperas Solemnes ofrecidas en la Catedral de San Patricio un día antes de la instalación
“Él (Jesús) sostiene al mundo con todos sus desafíos, todas sus complejidades – con autoridad, con verdad, con amor y con misericordia divina”, dijo el arzobispo designado
El arzobispo designado, Ronald A. Hicks, preside las Vísperas Solemnes en la Catedral de San Patricio el 5 de febrero de 2026. Foto: Gregory A. Shemitz/Buenas Noticias
Por: Armando Machado
Esta tarde, el arzobispo designado Ronald Hicks presidió y predicó la oración vespertina (Vísperas) en la Catedral de San Patricio. La celebración permitió al arzobispo entrante dirigir la oración de la Iglesia de Nueva York antes de la Misa de Instalación, programada para mañana viernes 6 de febrero a las 2 p.m. en la catedral.
La posesión canónica no se realizó durante las Vísperas, sino que fue un acto litúrgico preparatorio,
más que jurídico. La recepción formal y la posesión canónica tendrán lugar mañana al comienzo de la Misa de Instalación.
“Es muy importante que asistamos debido a nuestra misión como Hermanas de San Jerónimo, estar a disposición del arzobispo en las obras de la Iglesia”, dijo la hermana Alma Hernández, de las Hermanas de San Jerónimo, del Bronx, a Buenas Noticias en una entrevista antes de las Vísperas Solemnes de las 5 p.m. “Es una alegría conocer y orar por el nuevo arzobispo de Nueva York”.
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La hermana Alma, nacida en México, agregó que ella y sus compañeras monjas están “súper contentas” porque el arzobispo designado Hicks habla español con fluidez y a menudo pronuncia sus homilías en inglés y español.
También estuvo presente en las Vísperas Solemnes Leo De Los Santos, de 18 años, feligrés de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, en Manhattan. “Vine aquí para escuchar al nuevo arzobispo. No sabía que hablaba tan bien español”, dijo De Los Santos, nacido en México, a Buenas Noticias después de las Vísperas. “Su homilía fue muy bonita, especialmente la parte sobre que el Señor siempre está con nosotros”.
De Los Santos, católico de toda la vida, dijo que su fe siempre ha sido importante en su familia. Estuvo en las Vísperas con varios feligreses de su parroquia.
Angélica Epps, asistente administrativa de la arquidiócesis, dijo después de la Misa: “Siempre me ha encantado la Liturgia de las Horas, y esta ocasión de las Vísperas Solemnes en preparación para la instalación del nuevo arzobispo Hicks, fue una gracia especial y una invitación a la oración. Fue un placer participar junto con muchos otros miembros de la arquidiócesis y tantos religiosos y laicos de la comunidad neoyorquina”. La familia de Epps es de la República Dominicana.
Durante las Vísperas, el arzobispo designado Hicks habló en su sermón bilingüe de la famosa estatua de Atlas enfrente de la Catedral de San Patricio, al otro lado de la Quinta Avenida, luchando por sostener el
El arzobispo designado, Ronald A. Hicks, balancea el incensario durante las Vísperas Solemnes en la Catedral de San Patricio el 5 de febrero de 2026. Foto: Gregory A. Shemitz/Buenas Noticias.
mundo – en comparación con una estatua de Cristo detrás del santuario de la catedral, sosteniendo el mundo en su mano.
“Es una imagen poderosa de cómo es la vida cuando intentamos cargar todo solos”, dijo sobre la estatua de Atlas el arzobispo designado Hicks. Pero en la estatua de Cristo, señaló, “Jesús sostiene el mundo en la palma de su mano… Él sostiene el mundo con todos sus desafíos, todas sus complejidades – con autoridad, con verdad, con amor y con la misericordia divina”.
Mientras que en español añadió: “Si quieren saber cómo voy a caminar en esta nueva etapa, voy a confiar en Dios, ponerme en sus manos y unir mi corazón al Corazón de Jesús para hacer la voluntad del Padre cada día en oración. Quiero caminar acompañado de personas buenas y fieles, trabajando juntos en la misión y en los ministerios de la Iglesia”.
El arzobispo designado añadió: “Amigos, familia, no quiero ser Atlas. No quiero pretender que puedo llevar el peso de esta arquidiócesis sobre mis propios hombros. En cambio, con ustedes, juntos, pongamos la Arquidiócesis de Nueva York, con todas nuestras esperanzas en las manos de Jesús”. Pidió a los fieles que rezaran por él y afirmó que siempre rezaría por ellos. Su homilía fue recibida con aplausos.
La Misa de Instalación está programada para mañana, 6 de febrero, a las 2 p.m. La reunión marcará la transición del liderazgo del cardenal Timothy Michael Dolan a su sucesor, el arzobispo electo, Ronald A. Hicks.
Homily for Vespers –The Most Reverend Ronald A. Hicks
The Most Reverend Ronald A. Hicks delivered the following Homily for Vespers on February 5, 2026, at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
By: Archbishop Ronald Hicks
Homily for Vespers
The Most Reverend Ronald A. Hicks St. Patrick’s Cathedral • February 5, 2026
¡Paz y bien!
Peace and all good things to all of you!
¡Paz y bien a todos mis hermanos y hermanas en Cristo, y a toda la gente de buena voluntad!
Paz y bien.
The Church, in her wisdom, gives us an evening like this.
Not to solve all the issues and challenges of our Church and our world.
And not even to highlight all the blessings and successes either.
We are here this evening to pray… together.
We come here as people of faith and goodwill to ask God to bless me and to bless the entire Archdiocese of New York as we take these next steps… together.
Since the announcement that I will be the 11th Bishop of the Archdiocese of New York, so many people have been asking me, “How do you feel? How are you feeling?”
Many do not wait for an answer. They begin listing emotions.
“Do you feel excited? Nervous? Anxious? Happy? Unsure? Peaceful? Blessed?”
And when I answer them, I simply say, “Yes.”
Yes. All of those feelings have been washing over me, at different times and in different ways.
This call to lead, to teach, and to sanctify in the Archdiocese of New York brings with it great responsibilities and beautiful gifts.
And just like that mixture of emotions, leading the Archdiocese involves real complexities, serious challenges, and at the same time an abundance of joy, goodness, and blessing.
If you would like to get a glimpse of how I plan on taking these next steps, my roadmap is to trust God, to surrender to Him, to unite my heart to the heart of Jesus, and to seek the will of the Father each day in prayer, surrounded by and ministering with good and faithful people.
Quiero decir esto también en español.
Si quieren saber cómo voy a caminar en esta nueva etapa, voy a confiar en Dios, ponerme en sus manos y unir mi corazón al Corazón de Jesús para hacer la voluntad del Padre cada día en oración. Quiero caminar acompañado de personas buenas y fieles, trabajando juntos en la misión y en los ministerios de la Iglesia.
When I was in high school, I heard a homily that many of you have probably heard as well. And the setting of that homily is right here.
Just across the street, outside the main doors of this Cathedral, stands the famous statue of Atlas. He is big, muscular, and strong, carrying the entire world on his back. When you look at that statue, you can almost feel the strain. The weight of the world is crushing him. It is a powerful image of what life looks like when we try to carry everything by ourselves.
Now, after looking at Atlas, cross Fifth Avenue and step inside the Church, the house of God, for a different perspective.
Photo: Gregory A. Shemitz/The Good Newsroom
Enter the doors of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. Notice the beautiful new murals in the narthex, depicting immigrants past and present, New York saints and notable figures, and first responders. And then, follow a straight line walking up the aisle, past all the people gathered in prayer. Go up toward the altar, and just behind it you will find a small statue of Jesus. Like Atlas, Christ is holding the world. But unlike Atlas, Jesus is not holding it on his back.
He holds the world in the palm of his hand. And he holds it easily, joyfully, almost effortlessly.
Jesus is not struggling or straining or being crushed. He holds the world, with all its challenges and complexities, with authority, truth, love, and divine mercy.
This juxtaposition gives us a powerful image. On one side of the street, Atlas shows us what happens when we try to carry everything alone. On this side, Christ invites us to place our trust in him.
In this simple contrast, we find the heart of our faith and the call of the Gospel. We are invited to let go of the impossible task of carrying everything on our own and to allow Christ to be the one who sustains us. It is a message of trust, surrender, and doing the will of God.
In this evening’s reading from the New Testament, we are exhorted to follow God’s will, not as a burden, but as a path of trust. One of the most beautiful examples of someone who lived according to God’s will is the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary’s “yes” was not just a single moment. It was a lifelong surrender. Even in moments of sorrow, uncertainty, and watching her beloved Son suffer, she remained ever faithful to God’s will.
And so, as I am installed tomorrow, I humbly ask you to pray for me, and please know that I promise to pray for you, not just tonight, but all the days of my life.
En las palabras de Santa Teresa de Ávila: “Nada te turbe, nada te espante. Solo Dios basta.”
As I begin this ministry tomorrow, I do not want to be Atlas.
I do not want to pretend that I can carry the weight of this Archdiocese on my own shoulders.
Instead, with you… together, let us place the Archdiocese of New York, with all our hopes, all our wounds, and all our future, into the hands of Jesus.
Jesus already holds the world. And in that trust, we know he will hold us as well.
The Most Reverend Ronald A. Hicks delivers his homily at Solemn Vespers at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan, February 5, 2026. Next page, clockwise from top left, top two photos: Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks imparts the closing blessing during evening prayer; Cardinal Timothy Dolan smiles at Solemn Vespers on February 5, 2026. All photos: Gregory A. Shemitz/The Good Newsroom
Ronald A. Hicks Installed as 11th Archbishop of New York at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
Historic ceremony marks first archdiocesan leadership transition in nearly 17 years as former Bishop of Joliet assumes role from Cardinal Timothy Dolan
By: Steven Schwankert
“ Knock and the door will be opened to you.”
Following this dictum from Matthew 7, Ronald A. Hicks rapped upon the doors of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and was welcomed by Father Enrique Salvo, rector of the cathedral, and by the man he had come to succeed, Cardinal Timothy Dolan.
Surrounded by cardinals, archbishops, and bishops, the former Bishop of Joliet accepted a crucifix resting on a pillow from Monsignor Joseph LaMorte, vicar general of the Archdiocese of New York, kissed the crucifix, and then received holy water from Father Salvo. Hicks blessed himself with the holy water and sprinkled it upon the faithful.
In attendance were six cardinals, 13 archbishops, 69 bishops, dozens of priests, and hundreds more faithful to welcome the archdiocese’s first new archbishop in almost 17 years.
After a procession to the altar, Cardinal Dolan took his seat on the cathedra, the archbishop’s chair, for the final time. The red carpet and cushion had already been removed, along with his heraldry, and replaced with the green of the incoming archbishop and with his crest and motto, “Paz y Bien,” or “Peace and All Good Things.”
Celebrating Cardinal Dolan’s legacy and 76th birthday
Cardinal Dolan began as the celebrant of the Mass before Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, made remarks and initiated the official part of the installation.
“Cardinal Dolan has served this archdiocese with extraordinary generosity and conviction. His voice has been a strong and joyful witness to the Gospel both here in New York and far beyond it. On behalf of the bishops, the religious, and the faithful, sincere thanks for his years of fruitful ministry and for the love he has shown to the people who are entrusted to his care,”
Cardinal Pierre said, leading to a minute-long standing ovation for Cardinal Dolan. Cardinal Pierre then noted that Friday was Cardinal Dolan’s 76th birthday and led the capacity cathedral crowd in singing “Happy Birthday” to him.
Turning his attention to Hicks, Cardinal Pierre said, “Today, the Church in New York welcomes as its own shepherd, the one that it needs, as its new pastor. His years as a bishop have already immersed him in the joys and the sorrows of pastoral governance. He has attended carefully to the life of the Church and shown steady commitment to the mission entrusted to him.”
Reading from the proclamation by Pope Leo XIV appointing Ronald A. Hicks as Archbishop of New York, he said, “Venerable brother, may the Lord grant you to be a man according to the heart of Christ, and to exhibit in all your works a clear reflection of that love, so that the Christian faithful of this city, taught by your leadership and example, may rejoice in the wonderful diversity of the world, open every heart to peace, and manifest the wonders of the Spirit.”
Apostolic nuncio proclaims papal appointment
Hicks was then asked by Cardinal Pierre if he accepted the position, to which he responded, “With faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and with the love of God in my heart, I accept the mandate of the Roman Pontiff for the pastoral care of the people of God in the Archdiocese of New York. I resolve to serve faithfully the spiritual needs of this particular Church.”
Cardinal Pierre then presented the apostolic letter to Archbishop-designate Hicks, who carried the letter around the altar, finally displaying it to Cardinal Dolan, who saluted his successor. Archbishop-designate Hicks also carried the letter several rows down the center aisle of the cathedral to show some of the faithful.
Returning to the altar, Archbishop-designate Hicks was led to the cathedra with Cardinal Dolan and
Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks displays the apostolic letter from Pope Leo XIV confirming his appointment, February 6, 2026. Photo: Joe Vericker/Photobureau.
Cardinal Pierre each taking him by an arm. Cardinal Dolan handed him the crosier, the bishop’s staff, and after shaking hands with Cardinal Pierre, he turned and faced the crowd, which stood to applaud the new Archbishop of New York. Finally, Archbishop Hicks sat down upon the cathedra, looking uncomfortable, relieved, overwhelmed, and gratified, all at once.
Music, family, and a vision for the Church
Archbishop Hicks received congratulations and greetings from the attending cardinals and bishops, along with New York faith leaders. The Mass then proceeded as normal, with the first reading proclaimed in Spanish by Samuel Jimenez Coreas, who, as an infant was abandoned in a trash dump in El Salvador, only to be raised at Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (Our Little Brothers), an orphanage where Archbishop Hicks served for five years earlier in his ministry. He later moved to the Chicago area, where the archbishop was born and where he served as vicar general before becoming Bishop of Joliet, Illinois.
In his homily, Archbishop Hicks began in Spanish by quoting the lyrics of a favorite song of his, “Alma misionera,” or “Missionary Soul,” that led into his main theme. Speaking in English, he first said that he loves music and quoted from a number of songs that have New York in their title or as their subject. Paraphrasing the Frank Sinatra classic “New York, New York”: “Start spreadin’ the news/ I’m starting today/I want to be a part of it New York, New York!”
He then returned to words he first uttered just over seven weeks ago, when his appointment as Archbishop of New York was announced. “I love Jesus. I love the Church. And I love people.”
After thanking a number of people, including Cardinals Pierre, Dolan, and Cupich, he also expressed his gratitude to his parents, now in their 90s, who watched the Mass via livestream. “You are the best! Thank you for always showing me what unconditional love looks like.” He mouthed “I love you” into the camera.
Following this stream of thanks, he made an emphatic statement of his vision for the Archdiocese of New York: “This is a call to be a missionary Church, not a country club. A club exists to serve its members. The Church, on the other hand, exists to go out and serve all people, on fire with faith, hope, and charity in the name of Jesus Christ. This is not a criticism, but an invitation to renew who we are and rediscover why the Church exists.”
He continued later in the homily, “That is the kind of Church I believe we are called to be here in the
Archdiocese of New York. We are called to be a missionary Church that takes care of the poor and the vulnerable, upholds life from conception to natural death, cares for creation, builds bridges, listens synodally, protects children, promotes healing for survivors and for all those wounded by the Church, and shows respect for all, building unity across cultures and generations.”
For the offertory, Archbishop Hicks’ siblings, nieces, and nephews brought up the gifts.
Please take some time today to pray for your new Archbishop of New York, Archbishop Ronald Hicks.
A mutual promise of prayer
In his closing remarks, Archbishop Hicks asked all those in attendance to turn their attention to prayer. “The last message I’d like to share with you today is this: You are a gift to me. And I’m going to ask for a gift from all of you today as we conclude. The gift that I’m going to ask of you is the gift of prayer.
“Please take some time today to pray for your new Archbishop of New York, Archbishop Ronald Hicks. Please know this: When you’re praying for me tonight, I’m going to be praying for you also. I’m going to make sure that I go in front of the Eucharistic Lord, I spend some time in prayer, and I’m going to pray for all of you intentionally and the intentions that you hold in your hearts. And as I pray for you, I am going to be praying for all of you with the greatest gratitude.”
At the conclusion of Mass, Archbishop Hicks processed down the center aisle of the cathedral, blessing those in attendance as he passed.
Archbishop Hicks will celebrate his first Sunday Mass at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral on February 8 at 10:15 a.m. The Mass is open to the public.
Armando Machado contributed to this report.
‘Start Spreading the News, I’m Starting Today’
Says Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks During Installation Mass at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
By: Mary Shovlain
Ronald A. Hicks was formally installed as the new Archbishop of New York during a solemn installation Mass celebrated Friday afternoon at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. The historic liturgy marked the beginning of his pastoral ministry as shepherd of the Archdiocese of New York and drew clergy, civic leaders, and faithful from across the region.
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What struk me was his humility and his down-to-earthness.
The moment that brought me to tears was when Cardinal Dolan brought him to the catedra. I was in tears at that time because we love Cardinal Dolan...
– Mother Maria Catherine, PVMI Parish visitor of Mary Immaculate, Monroe
– Mother Mary Josita, PVMI Parish visitor of Mary Immaculate, Monroe
La Arquidiócesis de Nueva York le da la bienvenida a su nuevo arzobispo, Ronald A. Hicks
Por: Fernanda Pierorazio
La Catedral de San Patricio fue el escenario de la Misa de Instalación de Ronald A. Hicks como undécimo arzobispo de Nueva York. Fue una celebración solemne y bilingüe que reflejó la riqueza cultural de la arquidiócesis y marcó el inicio de una nueva etapa pastoral, centrada en la comunión, el servicio y la esperanza.
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Me causó mucha emoción porque nuestro nuevo arzobispo Ronald se ve que es un hombre que tiene un espíritu misionero...
– Reverendo Padre Oswaldo Hernández Pastor, Parroquia Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes
Podemos ver también el amor que él tiene para la comunidad hispana y latinoamericana.
– Daisy Vale Fideicomisaria del Consejo Parroquial de la Catedral de San Patricio
Homily for Installation –Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks
By: Archbishop Ronald Hicks
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Homily for Installation
Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks
St. Patrick’s Cathedral • February 6, 2026
Señor, toma mi vida nueva antes de que la espera desgaste años en mí. Estoy dispuesto a lo que quieras, no importa lo que sea, tu llámame a servir.
Estas son las letras de la canción, “Alma misionera”.
Es una de mis canciones favoritas en la iglesia porque todos nosotros estamos llamados a ser discípulos
misioneros, con almas misioneras, en una iglesia misionera.
I love music. I love all types of music. And I almost always have a song playing in my head.
There are so many songs about New York. I am going to take a few lines from some of the most famous songs about New York and put them together in a short compilation of my first impressions of living and working in New York. You can try and guess the artist and the title of the songs.
And while Chicago will always be “My kind of Town” Here goes… my feelings about New York, based on the following songs, done with a little creative editing of some of the lyrics…
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Photo: Joe Vericker/Photobureau.
Some folks like to get away Take a holiday from the neighborhood I’m in a New York State of Mind.
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of There’s nothin’ you can’t do
Now you’re in New York
Si te quieres divertir con encanto y con primor sólo tienes que vivir un verano en Nueva York
I happen to like New York
I happen to love this town
So, start spreadin’ the news I’m starting today I want to be a part of it New York, New York!
Here are a few things you should know about me: I love Jesus. I love the Church. And I love people.
As Pope Leo has recently taught in his catechesis on Vatican II,
Jesus says, “I call you friends.” Through that relationship, I strive to love my neighbor as myself.
I also love the Eucharist, the true body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ, our source and summit. The word Eucharist comes from the Greek, meaning to give thanks.
So today, in the context of this Eucharist, my heart is truly filled with gratitude.
And as I begin as the 11th Bishop of the Archdiocese of New York, I want to start with gratitude.
First and foremost, I thank God, the creator of life and giver of life-eternal, for His divine love.
To Cardinal Christophe Pierre, thank you for your many years of service and for giving me the advice to just be myself. Please extend my gratitude to Pope Leo and assure him of my obedience and collaboration.
To Cardinal Cupich, I have been working with you and learning from you for over eleven years. Thank you for your example and mentorship.
To Cardinal Dolan, thank you for your magnanimous leadership here for seventeen years. In particular, thank
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Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks lifts the host during the Liturgy of the Eucharist at his installation Mass as the new archbishop of New York, on February 6, 2026, at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan. Photo by Joe Vericker/Photobureau.
you for the gracious support you have shown me both publicly and privately. And by the way, we know that today is your birthday. Happy Birthday to you, and “ad multos annos.”
To all of my brother bishops, thank you for the ways that you strive for unity and for your servant leadership in the Church.
To my brother priests. I love being a priest. Thank you for your YES, and I look forward to getting to know this wonderful presbyterate here in the Archdiocese.
To everyone from Chicagoland and from the Diocese of Joliet, I carry you in my heart. Thank you for being disciples who make disciples.
To my mom and dad who are watching via livestream. You are the best! Thank you for always showing me what unconditional love looks like.
To all of my family and friends. You are one of the greatest gifts in my life. Thank you for your constant support. I love all of you.
To those of you from government, business, labor, service, education, first responders, the arts, and those representing the many New York faith traditions, thank you for being here today. I look forward to working with you in support of the common good.
To everyone here present and live-streaming, and to all the people of New York, and to everyone in the 3 boroughs and 7 counties of the Archdiocese, the clergy, the religious, the laity, and all the faithful…to everyone: thank you for your prayers, your enthusiasm, and your warm welcome to me.
Acabo de expresar mi gratitud a todos por todo. A todos ustedes, doy gracias a Dios por compartir nuestra fe en Jesucristo y caminar juntos como hermanos e hermanas.
Today in the Gospel, Jesus gives us the Great Commission. Go, and make disciples, baptize them in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And behold, God is with us always.
This is a call to be a missionary Church, not a country club. A club exists to serve its members. The Church, on the other hand, exists to go out and serve all people, on fire with faith, hope, and charity in the name of Jesus Christ. This is not a criticism, but an
invitation to renew who we are and rediscover why the Church exists. To follow Jesus, who fed the hungry, healed those ill in body and spirit, rejected hatred and proclaimed love.
Pope Leo XIV has been clear and consistent about this. He reminds us that the Church is missionary not because of a program we run, but because of who we are. The Church exists to proclaim Jesus Christ and the Gospel to everyone, publicly and credibly, without fear, in every culture and circumstance. A Church that upholds human dignity in every way possible. A Church that follows the example of Jesus who reached out beyond his own community and held up the Samaritan as an example of goodness.
That is the kind of Church I believe we are called to be here in the Archdiocese of New York.
We are called to be a missionary Church that takes care of the poor and the vulnerable, upholds life from conception to natural death, cares for creation, builds bridges, listens synodally, protects children, promotes healing for survivors and for all those wounded by the Church, and shows respect for all, building unity across cultures and generations.
Brothers and sisters, I believe the world always has and always will need a missionary Church.
A Church that proclaims Jesus Christ clearly and without fear.
A Church that forms missionary disciples, not passive spectators.
A Church that goes out to the peripheries.
To the people of the Archdiocese of New York, wherever you live and wherever you serve: I desire to follow the heart of Christ and be a Good Shepherd. I come to walk with you, to serve you, and to proclaim Jesus Christ to you.
Somos una Iglesia misionera, enviada por Cristo al corazón del mundo.
So as always, let us go out, strengthened by the Eucharist, sent by the Lord, and guided by the Holy Spirit.
The mission is before us.
The world is waiting with hope. And behold, God is with us always
Archbishop Hicks’ Installation Inspires the Faithful in Person and Online
“It was a beautiful ceremony – the Church in New York at its best,” said Father Jim Gardiner, SA
By: Armando Machado
Attendees at Friday’s Installation Mass of Ronald A. Hicks expressed joy and inspiration at witnessing him become the 11th archbishop of the Archdiocese of New York, with the special afternoon proceedings occurring at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
“We wanted to be here to welcome the new archbishop. It’s just such an honor to be present in person,” Anastasiya Shirazi, a parishioner of Sacred Heart-St. Patrick in Monroe, told The Good Newsroom amid the rear pews after the Mass, as the exit procession was ending. “I love about him that he loves Jesus, he loves the Church, and he loves people.”
The married mother of three was with two of her children. She said the Catholic faith “means everything. We center everything around our faith…The homily was excellent. I was very touched and inspired.”
Also at the Mass was John DiRago, 57, a parishioner of St. Mary of the Assumption in Katonah, who said, “I think Cardinal Dolan has done a remarkable job. And so part of me wanting to be here was as a tribute to him – and as a welcome to the new archbishop, Ronald Hicks. I like what he (Hicks) shared, how he loves music, how he’s from Chicago – we have to make him a Yankees fan; we’ll have to work on that… This was spectacular; it didn’t seem like two hours at all. I felt like we could have stayed another two hours, was so wonderful. I was feeling so blessed just to be part of this.”
Valencia Infante, a parishioner of St. Catherine of Genoa in Manhattan, said in her native Spanish, “Everything was perfect. I liked his message about working with the communities, about us being missionaries and spreading the message of the Gospel, going where the Lord takes us.”
Franciscan Friars hold watch party
Among the Installation watch parties was a gathering at the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement at the Holy
Mountain Franciscan Retreat Center (Graymoor) in Garrison.
“We just finished watching the Installation. We had about 25 people here. It was a beautiful ceremony – the Church in New York at its best. The music was wonderful; the homily was terrific. He will be prayed for at every Mass by name in the Archdiocese of New York,” Father Jim Gardiner, SA, former director of Graymoor, told The Good Newsroom by phone after the watch party.
A week before the Installation Mass, the Friars said in a statement, “Archbishop Hicks’ pastoral leadership has been shaped by a deep commitment to human dignity, particularly during a formative five-year period beginning in 2005 when he served in El Salvador as a regional director for an orphanage network serving children across Latin America – an experience widely regarded as central to his ministry.”
Archbishop Ronald Hicks displays the apostolic letter from Pope Leo XIV naming him the new leader of the Archdiocese of New York, February 6, 2026. Photo by Joe Vericker/Photobureau.
Archbishop Ronald Hicks Arrives in New York:
Resolute, Clear, and Bilingual
Three themes emerged from the new archbishop’s first public addresses
By: Steven Schwankert
The former Bishop of Joliet arrived in New York this week. After a press conference and two homilies given over two days, in two languages, the new Archbishop of New York proclaimed how he will lead the archdiocese.
“If you want to know how I will walk in this new stage, I’m going to trust in God, place myself in His hands, and unite my heart to the Heart of Jesus to do the will of the Father each day in prayer. I want to walk accompanied by good and faithful people, working together in the mission and ministries of the Church,” Archbishop-designate Hicks
said, in Spanish, at the beginning of his Solemn Vespers homily on February 5, the evening before his Installation.
Missionary discipleship and evangelization
At his February 5 press conference, Archbishop Hicks was direct about his priorities: “At the center of everything is faith. And so all the issues, so many of them, are important, but one of my focuses is going to be on evangelization. How do we actually be disciples who make disciples?”
In his Installation Mass homily, he expanded on this vision with an unambiguous call: “This is a call to be
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Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks smiles as he delivers the homily during his installation Mass as the new archbishop of New York at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on February 6, 2026. Photo by Gregory A. Shemitz/OSV News.
El arzobispo Ronald Hicks llega a Nueva York:
Decidido, Claro y Bilingüe
Tres temas surgieron de los primeros discursos públicos del nuevo arzobispo
Por: Steven Schwankert
El ex obispo de Joliet llegó a Nueva York esta semana. Tras ofrecer una rueda de prensa y pronunciar dos homilías en dos días y en dos idiomas, el nuevo arzobispo de Nueva York explicó cómo dirigirá la arquidiócesis.
“Si quieren saber cómo voy a caminar en esta nueva etapa, voy a confiar en Dios, ponerme en Sus manos y unir mi corazón al Corazón de Jesús para hacer cada día la voluntad del Padre en la oración. Quiero caminar acompañado de personas buenas y fieles, trabajando juntos en la misión y los ministerios de la Iglesia”, dijo el arzobispo designado Hicks, en español, al comienzo de su homilía en las Vísperas Solemnes del 5 de febrero, la víspera de su toma de posesión.
Discipulado misionero y evangelización
En su conferencia de prensa del 5 de febrero, el arzobispo Hicks fue directo sobre sus prioridades: “En el centro de todo está la fe. Y por eso todas las cuestiones, tantas de ellas, son importantes, pero uno de mis objetivos va a ser la evangelización. ¿Cómo podemos ser realmente discípulos que hacen discípulos?”.
En la homilía de su Misa de toma de posesión, amplió esta visión con un llamado inequívoco: “Este es un llamado a ser una Iglesia misionera, no un club de campo. Un club existe para servir a sus miembros. La Iglesia, en cambio, existe para salir y servir a todas las personas, encendida por la fe, la esperanza y la caridad en nombre de Jesucristo”.
Confía y ríndete a la voluntad de Dios
La homilía de las Vísperas incluyó una extensa meditación sobre la confianza, contrastando la estatua de Atlas, situada al otro lado de la Quinta Avenida desde la Catedral de San Patricio, con una estatua detrás del altar que muestra a un joven Jesús sosteniendo el mundo con facilidad en una mano: “A un lado de la calle, Atlas nos muestra lo que sucede cuando intentamos cargar con todo nosotros solos.
A este lado, Cristo nos invita a depositar nuestra confianza en Él”.
Acompañamiento y caminar juntos
El arzobispo Hicks distinguió su enfoque del liderazgo corporativo: “No quiero que se me vea solo como el director general o el presidente corporativo de un grupo. He sido llamado aquí para ser pastor. He sido llamado aquí para ser pastor, y como pastor, mi deseo es ser un buen pastor”, dijo en la conferencia de prensa del jueves.
Vengo a caminar
con ustedes, a servirles y a proclamarles a Jesucristo.
Durante su homilía de toma de posesión, dejó clara su postura: “A la gente de la Arquidiócesis de Nueva York, dondequiera que vivan y dondequiera que sirvan: deseo seguir el corazón de Cristo, ser un buen pastor. Vengo a caminar con ustedes, a servirles y a proclamarles a Jesucristo”.
El arzobispo Hicks concluyó su homilía de la Misa de Instalación con un llamado que resumía sus temas principales: “Así que, como siempre, salgamos: fortalecidos por la Eucaristía, enviados por el Señor y guiados por el Espíritu Santo. La misión está ante nosotros, el mundo espera con esperanza. Y he aquí que Dios está siempre con nosotros”.
Ya fuera hablando en inglés o en español, dirigiéndose al clero o a la comunidad en general, el arzobispo Hicks se presentó no como un administrador distante, sino como un compañero discípulo en misión.
a missionary church, not a country club. A club exists to serve its members. The Church exists, on the other hand, to go out and serve all people, on fire with faith, with hope, and charity in the name of Jesus Christ.”
I come to walk with you, to serve you, and to proclaim Jesus Christ to you.
Trust and surrender to God’s will
The Vespers homily featured an extended meditation on trust, contrasting the statue of Atlas across Fifth Avenue from Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, with a statue behind the altar that shows a young Jesus holding the world easily in one hand: “On one side of the street, Atlas shows us what happens when we try to carry
everything alone. On this side, Christ invites us to place our trust in him.”
Accompaniment and walking together
Archbishop Hicks distinguished his approach from corporate leadership: “I don’t want to be seen as only the CEO or corporate president of a group. I’m called here to be a pastor. I’m called here to be a shepherd, and as shepherd, my desire is to be a good shepherd,” he said at the Thursday press conference.
During his Installation homily, he made his posture clear: “To the people of the Archdiocese of New York, wherever you live and wherever you serve: I desire to follow the heart of Christ, to be a good shepherd. I come to walk with you, to serve you, and to proclaim Jesus Christ to you.”
Archbishop Hicks closed his Installation Mass homily with a call that captured his primary themes: “So as always, let’s go out: strengthened by the Eucharist, sent by the Lord, and guided by the Holy Spirit. The mission is before us, the world is waiting with hope. And behold, God is with us always.”
Whether speaking in English or Spanish, addressing clergy or the broader community, Archbishop Hicks presented himself not as a distant administrator but as a fellow disciple on mission.
Clockwise from top left: Cardinal Timothy Dolan (in red) gathers with cardinals, archbishops, and bishops before the Installation Mass of Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks; Cardinal Timothy Dolan embraces Archbishop Ronald Hicks at the latter’s Installation Mass; guests from around the country and the world gathered for the installation of Archbishop Ronald Hicks. Photos: Joe Vericker/Photobureau.
‘I Can’t Wait to See You, to Pray With You, and to Get to Know You,’
Archbishop Hicks Tells the Faithful
By: Mary Shovlain
Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks celebrated his first Sunday Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral just two days after his installation as Archbishop of New York. In his homily, Archbishop Hicks reflected on the Eucharist as both a source of nourishment and a call to mission, urging the faithful to carry their faith into the world.
After Mass, the archbishop spoke with members of the press, sharing his desire to meet Catholics across the archdiocese in the coming weeks through special liturgies and events. He emphasized unity, encounter, and evangelization as central themes for his ministry, expressing his hope for a Church that listens, serves, and goes out on mission throughout New York.
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The Coat of Arms of Ronald A. Hicks, Archbishop of New York
By: Fernanda Pierorazio
Did you know that every detail of a coat of arms tells a story? This video provides a clear and detailed explanation of the meaning of Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks’ coat of arms.
Archbishop Hicks was installed as the eleventh Archbishop of New York on Friday, February 6.
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Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks’ coat of arms brings together the story of his faith and ministry
His unity with the Archdiocese of New York
His personal spiritual and pastoral identity
His love for missions and service to the poor
His commitment to the Word of God and to teaching
His dedication to priestly formation
His deep connection with Latin and Spanish-speaking cultures
His pastoral vision
El escudo de armas de Ronald A. Hicks, arzobispo de Nueva York
Por: Fernanda Pierorazio
¿Sabían que cada detalle de un escudo de armas cuenta una historia? En este vídeo encontrará una explicación clara y detallada del significado del escudo de armas del arzobispo Ronald A. Hicks, quien fue instalado como el undécimo arzobispo de Nueva York el viernes 6 de febrero.
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El escudo de armas del arzobispo Ronald A. Hicks reúne la historia de su fe y su ministerio
Su unión con la Arquidiócesis de Nueva York. Su identidad espiritual y pastoral personal. Su amor por la misión y los pobres. Su compromiso con la Palabra y la enseñanza. Su dedicación al servicio y la formación sacerdotal. Su conexión con culturas latinas e hispanohablantes.
Su visión pastoral.