The new leader of the Roman Catholic Church's New York Archdiocese offered a greeting in Spanish on Thursday, when he implored the U.S. to be a "country that upholds human dignity" while also protecting its borders and keeping its laws.
Bishop Ronald Hicks, currently the head of the Diocese of Joliet, was welcomed by Cardinal Timothy Dolan during a St. Patrick's Cathedral press conference that was broadcast live on Newsmax.
Dolan, 75, confirmed he is stepping aside in keeping with church law and introduced Hicks as the next leader of the Archdiocese of New York after Pope Leo XIV's appointment.
"We now have … an early Christmas gift in the appointment … of our new archbishop, Ronald Hicks," Dolan said, praising Hicks' wide-ranging experience in parish work, Catholic schools, seminary leadership, diocesan administration, and missionary service in El Salvador.
After each man offered initial remarks, Hicks was asked for his stance on immigration, as the Archdiocese of New York is comprised of people from all over the world.
"I'm proud of the statement that the USCCB, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, recently put out about immigration and about the necessity to make sure we have a country that does protect our borders, and we keep our laws," Hicks said.
"And also be a country that upholds human dignity, respect, treating each other well and making sure that anything connected to these policies are connected to due process. And again, with a great deal of respect for humanity, our brothers and sisters, how we see each other, how we relate each other, all in that context of human dignity."
Dolan told reporters he had not known Hicks personally before the selection but said that in the days since learning of the appointment, "I already love him and appreciate him and trust him."
Hicks, 58, struck an upbeat tone, telling New Yorkers he has visited the city about "10 times" and always loved "the culture, the food, the energy" but especially "the people from all over the world who call this place home."
This time, he added, he is returning "to stay."
He also offered a message in Spanish.
"What I said in Spanish is that we have a bishop … I speak Spanish, but it's more than that. I was really formed by the Latino church," he said.
"And I have a great heart for the Latino community. And so, we have someone who not only speaks Spanish, but understands that this community is a vital part of the church."
He added, "potentially my first controversial statement."
"I'm a Cubs fan and I love deep dishes pizza," he said. "That said, I want you to know that I am going to remain a loyal Cubs fan. However, I am going to start rooting for the New York sports teams. And I already love your pizza. I love it a lot."
Leo, the first U.S.-born Pope, chose Hicks in a significant reshuffling of American Catholic leadership, replacing Dolan, a nationally known conservative prelate who has led New York since 2009 and previously headed the U.S. bishops' conference.
Dolan had offered his resignation upon turning 75 earlier this year, though cardinals often remain in place until age 80.
Hicks' background mirrors Leo's in notable ways. Both men are tied to Chicago's south suburbs, and both spent years in Latin America — Leo in Peru and Hicks in El Salvador — experience Vatican watchers say may shape Hicks' pastoral priorities in a diverse and politically charged New York.
The Diocese of Joliet said in a press release that Hicks will be installed Feb. 6, 2026, at St. Patrick's Cathedral and will remain in Joliet until then.
The diocese highlighted initiatives Hicks led over the past five years, including restructuring efforts and renewed emphasis on catechesis, evangelization, and "faith into action."
Reuters contributed to this report.
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Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
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