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MIDTOWN MANHATTAN — The era of Archbishop Ronald Hicks as shepherd of the Archdiocese of New York officially began on Feb. 6 with his installation Mass at a filled-to-capacity St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Archbishop Hicks became the 14th leader — and 11th archbishop — of the archdiocese since its creation in 1808. During his homily, he described a mission statement of evangelism to mark his episcopacy.
“The Church,” he asserted, “exists to proclaim Jesus Christ and the Gospel to everyone — publicly and credibly, without fear, to every culture and circumstance. That is the kind of Church I believe we are called to be here in the Archdiocese of New York.
“We are called to be a missionary Church, a Church that catechizes, evangelizes, and puts our faith into action, a Church made up of missionary disciples who go out and make disciples, passing the thing on from one generation to the next.”
The congregation heartily applauded when Archbishop Hicks proclaimed that such a Church, “takes care of the poor and the vulnerable” and “defends, respects and upholds life from conception to natural death.”
Such a Church, he added, “cares for creation, builds bridges, and listens to and protects children.”
Further, he said, it “promotes healing for survivors and all for those who have been wounded by the Church.”
Also, during his homily and closing remarks, Archbishop Hicks expressed gratitude.
“To all the people of New York,” he said, “and everyone in the three boroughs, the seven counties of the archdiocese, the clergy, religious, the laity, and all the faithful — thank you for your prayers, thank you for your enthusiasm, and thank you for your warm welcome.”
The archbishop, a native of South Holland, Illinois, then turned his attention to the Diocese of Joliet, which he served until Pope Leo XIV announced in mid-December that he would become the spiritual father of the Archdiocese of New York.
From Harvey, Illinois, to the helm of the @NY_Arch.
The Most Reverend Ronald Hicks will be installed today as the 11th Archbishop of New York. Follow along with us for everything you need to know – including live coverage at @StPatsNYC.
https://t.co/mZdcHeP3Kx pic.twitter.com/cW9kI1rAWb— The Tablet (@TabletNewspaper) February 6, 2026
“To everyone from Chicagoland and from the Diocese of Joliet, I carry you in my heart,” he said. “Thank you for being disciples, who make disciples.”
Next came his parents, Ronald and Roselee Hicks, who, he said, were watching the installation via live stream.
“To my mom and dad,” he said. “You are the best. Thank you for always showing me what unconditional love looks like.”
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Archbishop Hicks succeeds Cardinal Timothy Dolan, now archbishop emeritus, who retired after leading the archdiocese for more than 16 years.
As per custom, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the United States, was on hand to represent Pope Leo XIV. The nuncio read the pope’s appointment letter declaring Archbishop Hicks as the new leader of the archdiocese.
But first, Cardinal Pierre had a few words about Cardinal Dolan.
“By the way,” the nuncio said, “it is his birthday.”
He then led the congregation to sing “Happy Birthday” to Cardinal Dolan, who beamed with his quintessential joviality.
Archbishop Hicks also praised his predecessor.
“Thank you for your magnanimous leadership here for 17 years,” he told Cardinal Dolan. “In a particular way, I want to thank you for your gracious support of me, both personally and publicly.”
Also attending was Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of Chicago.
“I have been working with you and learning from you for over 11 years now,” Archbishop Hicks said. “Thank you for your example and your mentorship.”
Prelates from all over the country attended the installation Mass, including Bishop Robert Brennan and Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio, and Auxiliary Bishops James Massa, Octavio Cisneros, Witold Mroziewski, and Raymond Chappetto, all from the Diocese of Brooklyn.
Joining them in the procession was Father Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez, the current pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Corona, Queens, who will soon become bishop of the Diocese of Palm Beach, Florida.
In closing, Archbishop Hicks invited everyone to join him in the mission statement of evangelism.
“So, as always, let’s go out, strengthened by the Eucharist, set by the Lord and guided by the Holy Spirit,” he said. “The mission is before us. The world is waiting with hope.
“And, behold, God is with us. Always.”