Key Takeaways:
- Pope Leo XIV has appointed Archbishop Ronald Hicks as the new Metropolitan Archbishop of New York, succeeding Cardinal Timothy Dolan.
- Archbishop Hicks’ pastoral priorities include being a pastor with a shepherd’s heart, having "the smell of the sheep," and bringing God’s peace and healing to the world.
- The Archdiocese of New York has established a $300 million fund to compensate survivors of clerical sexual abuse, and Archbishop Hicks is committed to prioritizing their care and well-being.
- Archbishop Hicks hopes to bring unity and cooperation to the Church in the United States, working with Pope Leo XIV to achieve their shared priorities.
Introduction to Archbishop Hicks’ Appointment
Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Timothy Dolan as the Archbishop of New York and has appointed Archbishop Ronald Hicks as his successor. Archbishop Hicks, who previously served as the Bishop of Joliet in the state of Illinois, will now lead one of the largest dioceses in the United States. In an interview with Vatican News, Archbishop Hicks shared his vision for his new role and his priorities for the Archdiocese of New York. He expressed his gratitude to Pope Leo XIV for the appointment and his commitment to following God’s will as he takes on this new responsibility.
Pastoral Priorities
Archbishop Hicks emphasized the importance of being a pastor with a shepherd’s heart, citing Pope Francis’ phrase "to have the smell of the sheep." He expressed his desire to be with people, to listen to them, and to share God’s love with all. He also highlighted the need for the Church to bring God’s peace and healing into the world, particularly in a time of great division and conflict. Archbishop Hicks’ experience as an Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar General in the Archdiocese of Chicago has prepared him for this new role, teaching him the importance of governance, administration, and keeping the mission of the Church at the center of all decisions.
Addressing Clerical Sexual Abuse
The Archdiocese of New York has recently established a $300 million fund to compensate survivors of clerical sexual abuse, a move that Archbishop Hicks sees as a step towards healing and justice. He acknowledged the gravity of the issue and the need for the Church to take it seriously, citing his experience working with Cardinal Bernadin in Chicago, who established protocols and procedures for preventing abuse over 30 years ago. Archbishop Hicks emphasized the importance of following procedures and policies to protect children and prevent abuse, while also focusing on the ministry and mission of the Church.
Hopes for the Church in the United States
Archbishop Hicks grew up in the same neighborhood as Pope Leo XIV in Chicago and shares his vision for a Church that brings God’s light, peace, and healing to the world. He hopes to work with Pope Leo XIV to achieve their shared priorities, including promoting unity and cooperation within the Church. Archbishop Hicks believes that the Church should be a source of hope and healing in a divided world, and he is committed to working towards this goal as the new Archbishop of New York. He expressed his gratitude to Pope Leo XIV for the opportunity to serve in this new role and his excitement to get to know the people of New York and to share God’s love with them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Archbishop Hicks’ appointment as the new Archbishop of New York marks a new chapter for the Archdiocese, one that is focused on bringing God’s peace and healing to the world. With his experience and commitment to being a pastor with a shepherd’s heart, Archbishop Hicks is well-equipped to lead the Archdiocese of New York and to address the challenges facing the Church, including clerical sexual abuse. As he begins his new role, Archbishop Hicks is hopeful for the future of the Church in the United States and is committed to working with Pope Leo XIV to achieve their shared priorities.
