Overview
- Hicks, 58, succeeds Cardinal Timothy Dolan following the Vatican’s acceptance of Dolan’s resignation at age 75.
- The transition follows Dolan’s finalization last week of a $300 million fund intended to settle roughly 1,300 clergy‑abuse claims, financed through budget cuts and asset sales.
- The Archdiocese of New York, which serves about 2.5 million Catholics, is a nationally prominent post that typically leads to a cardinal’s red hat.
- Hicks brings Chicago roots and pastoral experience in Latin America, including five years running a church orphanage program based in El Salvador operating across nine countries.
- He recently backed a U.S. bishops’ message condemning immigration raids and calling for meaningful reform, and reporting suggests Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich likely supported his elevation.