Overview
- Hicks, 58, the Joliet bishop with years of mission work in Mexico and El Salvador, was selected to lead the New York archdiocese and is expected to take office in February.
- In a St. Patrick’s Cathedral appearance, he spoke in Spanish to parishioners and highlighted his deep connection to Hispanic Catholics.
- The archdiocese is assembling roughly $300 million to settle claims from about 1,300 clergy‑abuse survivors, with property sales planned to help fund payouts.
- The Vatican declined the customary extension often granted to major residential cardinals, making Dolan’s exit unusually swift as the Trump administration intensifies immigration enforcement.
- Analysts say the appointment aligns with León XIV’s pastoral priorities and likely had backing from Cardinal Blase Cupich, though the Vatican has not confirmed the internal process.