Pope Leo Hicks New York Archbishop Cardinal Dolan
Axios2 days
Bishop Hicks Named New Archbishop of New York
Is Bishop Hicks a bridge-builder rejecting Trump, a defender of traditional doctrine and liturgy, or is it too early to tell?
Above: New York Archbishop-Designate Ronald Hicks (left) and Cardinal Dolan in New York City on Dec. 18, 2025. Image credit: Adam Gray/Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
Hicks's appointment represents a decisive rejection of culture war politics in favor of genuine pastoral leadership. Hicks brings missionary experience from El Salvador, fluency in Spanish and deep credibility with immigrant communities at a moment when the church must stand firmly against inhumane deportation policies. His background as a bridge builder who listens rather than grandstands marks exactly the kind of humble, service-oriented leadership the American church desperately needs.
Right narrative
Casting Hicks's appointment as a rejection of culture wars oversimplifies both the man and the moment. Pope Leo chose a proven administrator and evangelist whose Chicago roots mirror his own and whose record blends missionary zeal, doctrinal clarity and pastoral care. Hicks' orthodoxy, pro-life witness and quiet defense of tradition suggest continuity, following Dolan's legacy of faithful, competent leadership.
Narrative C
Hicks, about whom no one knows too much at the moment, shouldn't be placed into one specific category yet. As the first major U.S. city Archbishop to be born in Generation X, he came up under a completely different era than Dolan. For the time being, all New York Catholics can do is wait and see.