January 1, Pope Leo Removes Dolan in NYC Church Shakeup

Wyatt’s Take

• The Vatican named a new leader for New York’s Catholic Church, replacing a longtime conservative voice.
• Illinois Bishop Ronald Hicks, little known nationally, steps up as the new archbishop.
• This move comes during major financial and moral challenges for the New York Archdiocese.

Pope Leo, the first American pope, picked Bishop Ronald Hicks of Illinois to run the Catholic Church in New York, pushing aside Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Hicks, age 58, will lead a church home to almost three million Catholics and faces tough times ahead.

“Hicks represents not just a new chapter for New York but for the American church as a whole,” said David Gibson, a church expert.

Dolan had served as Archbishop since 2009 and is known as a high-profile conservative. He offered to resign after turning 75, following church rules. He often spoke out on TV and radio, defending traditional values.

At a press event, Hicks, who once worked in Latin America, said in Spanish and English he has a “great heart” for Latino communities. He believes America should secure its borders but treat everyone with dignity and respect. Hicks also agreed with past criticism of President Trump’s strict immigration rules, aligning with many U.S. bishops on this issue.

Both Leo and Hicks grew up near Chicago and spent time as missionaries, showing similar backgrounds. “(Leo) is elevating to the most prominent American see an Illinois native very much like himself,” Gibson said.

The New York Archdiocese is in the middle of raising hundreds of millions of dollars to settle abuse cases. Dolan said the archdiocese would trim its budget and sell property to cover payouts. Hicks will take the helm on February 6, while Dolan stays on until then.

Many see Hicks as a calm Midwesterner who supports church reforms started by the late Pope Francis. Hicks, in a recent letter to his flock, instead focused on faith and prayer rather than politics or church debates.

Read more at Daily Wire

Wyatt Matters

Changes like these remind us the heart of America isn’t just found in politics but in the faith communities that shape our lives and traditions. No matter who leads, the focus should stay on serving neighbors with honesty and holding leaders accountable.