Table of contents
- Quick summary
- What the Vatican announced today
- Why Cardinal Dolan submitted a resignation now
- Who is Bishop Ronald Hicks — the new archbishop-designate
- What this change means for New York’s Catholics and diocesan priorities
- Practical next steps and timeline for the transition
- Questions readers are asking: “Where is Cardinal Dolan going?” and “Is he retiring?”
- Reaction from clergy, elected leaders and community groups
- What to watch next — money, abuse settlements and pastoral priorities
- Reader poll (interactive)
- Closing and disclaimer
1. Quick summary (Cardinal Timothy Dolan Resigned)
Pope Leo XIV has accepted Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s resignation as Archbishop of New York and named Bishop Ronald Hicks of Joliet, Illinois, as archbishop-designate.
The move ends a high-profile chapter for Dolan and begins a leadership transition in one of the U.S. Church’s most consequential posts.
2. What the Vatican announced today
Vatican and U.S. reports confirm the Holy Father formally accepted Dolan’s resignation and appointed Bishop Hicks to lead the Archdiocese of New York.
The announcement was made by the Vatican on December 18, 2025, and distributed through diocesan and national media channels.
3. Why Cardinal Dolan submitted a resignation now
Under canon law, bishops are expected to offer their resignation upon reaching age 75; Dolan submitted his at that time and the Pope acted on it.
The timing reflects standard practice rather than an extraordinary forced departure, although the change comes amid financial and pastoral pressures in the archdiocese.
4. Who is Bishop Ronald Hicks — the new archbishop-designate
Bishop Ronald Hicks, 58, currently heads the Diocese of Joliet and previously served as vicar general in Chicago.
Reports highlight his pastoral work, missionary experience in El Salvador, and interest in immigrant and social-justice concerns — qualities the Vatican underscored when naming him.
5. What this change means for New York’s Catholics and diocesan priorities
Observers note a likely shift toward more pastoral and inclusion-focused leadership under Hicks, reflecting continuity with Pope Leo’s broader emphasis on outreach.
Practically, that may shape diocesan priorities on immigrant ministry, community service and how the archdiocese communicates with diverse New York constituencies.
6. Practical next steps and timeline for the transition
An installation date for Archbishop-designate Hicks has been signaled for early February 2026; Dolan will remain in office until the formal installation.
Administrative handovers, meetings with chancery staff, and public introductions for parishes will follow diocesan protocol in the coming weeks.
7. Questions readers are asking: “Where is Cardinal Dolan going?” and “Is he retiring?”
Cardinal Dolan is stepping down as archbishop in line with canonical practice; he retains his status as a cardinal and may take on less active duties.
Retirement for a diocesan archbishop typically means reduced administrative responsibility while remaining available for teaching, preaching, and representation as requested.
8. Reaction from clergy, elected leaders and community groups
Local Catholic agencies and civic leaders offered measured praise for Dolan’s decades of service and welcomed Hicks’ selection for his pastoral background.
Some Jewish and civic organizations with long-standing ties to Dolan noted the end of a public-facing era and have already expressed interest in meeting the new archbishop.
9. What to watch next — money, abuse settlements and pastoral priorities
The Archdiocese continues to manage significant financial obligations, including recent large-scale settlements with survivors; the new archbishop will be expected to steward those matters.
Observers will watch how Hicks balances fiscal responsibilities with community outreach, priest assignments, and Diocesan reforms.
11. Closing and disclaimer
The acceptance of Cardinal Dolan’s resignation and the naming of Bishop Ronald Hicks mark a major leadership change for American Catholicism and for New York’s faithful.
This article synthesizes official Vatican notices and contemporary reporting to explain the who, what, and why of the transition.
Disclaimer: TrenBuzz provides news reporting for informational purposes only. This article reflects reporting current as of December 18, 2025, and should not be relied upon as legal, financial, or canonical advice. Readers seeking official guidance should consult diocesan announcements or Vatican communications.