Ronald Hicks, who was appointed by Pope Leo XIV, officially assumed his title as New York’s archbishop at an installation mass Friday afternoon.

Just after 2 p.m., Hicks knocked on the door and was welcomed into St. Patrick’s Cathedral by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, marking the start of an official transfer of leadership.

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Ronald Hicks, who was appointed by Pope Leo XIV, officially assumed his title as New York’s archbishop at an installation mass Friday afternoon

Just after 2 p.m., Hicks knocked on the door and was welcomed into St. Patrick’s Cathedral by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, marking the start of an official transfer of leadership

Hicks talked about his love of New York through song, quoting Frank Sinatra and Billy Joel. Then, he spoke about what his mission was going to be in the new position

Hicks, who most recently was bishop of Joliet, Illinois, was chosen by Leo in December to replace the retiring Dolan, a prominent conservative figure in the U.S. Catholic hierarchy. Dolan had submitted his resignation in February, as required when he turned 75

During the ceremony, an official document from Leo was read aloud to the congregation.

Hicks then sat down on the cathedra, which is the archbishop’s chair, symbolizing his authority over the archdiocese. 

Hicks also addressed the congregation, politicians and other members of the church who were inside. 

At first, he talked about his love of New York through song, quoting Frank Sinatra and Billy Joel. Then, he spoke about what his mission was going to be in the new position. 

“We are called to be a missionary church. A church that catechizes, evangelizes and puts our faith into action,” he said. “A church made up of missionary disciples who go out and make disciples, passing the faith on from one generation to the next. A church that takes care of the poor, and the vulnerable. A church that defends, respects and upholds life, from conception, to a natural death.” 

Hicks, who most recently was bishop of Joliet, Illinois, was chosen by Leo in December to replace the retiring Dolan, a prominent conservative figure in the U.S. Catholic hierarchy. Dolan had submitted his resignation in February, as required when he turned 75.

The change in leadership represents a significant new chapter for the U.S. Catholic Church, which is forging a new era with the Chicago-born Leo as the first American pope. Leo and the U.S. hierarchy have already shown willingness to challenge the Trump administration on immigration and other issues, and Hicks is seen as very much a Leo-style bishop.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani congratulated Hicks in a post to social media, saying, in part: “I know that Archbishop Hicks and I share a deep and abiding commitment to the dignity of every human being and look forward to working together to create a more just and compassionate city where every New Yorker can thrive.”

Congratulations to Archbishop Ronald Hicks on today’s installment and welcome to New York City.

I know that Archbishop Hicks and I share a deep and abiding commitment to the dignity of every human being and look forward to working together to create a more just and…

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) February 6, 2026

Noemi Lopez traveled on a bus of 150 worshippers from St. Mary’s in Plainfield, New Jersey to witness the moment.

“I’m really happy to see that, like, it’s a new generation, but to see that the Catholic Church is not dying, that we’re here and that we’re here to support it as well and that God is behind us. He’s behind everyone,” she said. “I’m blessed to be here with my parish and to be able to witness this moment is truly a blessing.”