Archbishop Ronald Hicks, the new leader of the New York Archdiocese, introduced himself to the faithful of his new home yesterday with a pledge to become familiar with its challenges and uphold human dignity. Source: OSV News.
In a joint press conference aired live on several United States broadcast networks, New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan introduced the former bishop of Joliet, Illinois, saying it has been a week since he came to know the 58-year-old “and I already love him and appreciate him and trust him”.
Pope Leo XIV yesterday accepted the resignation of Cardinal Dolan, who in February turned 75, the age at which canon law requires bishops to submit their resignation to the pope, and named as his successor the Joliet bishop.
Archbishop Hicks — who for the past five years headed the Joliet Diocese, which borders the Archdiocese of Chicago — thanked the cardinal several times.
“I’m profoundly grateful for the many ways that he has shepherded the Archdiocese of New York and for the kindness that he’s already shown me. I’ve been deeply touched by his graciousness and his generous expression of support of me,” Archbishop Hicks said.
The support will be much needed as the archdiocese enters into mediation with 1300 claimants of clergy sexual abuse and raises the $US300 million ($455m) needed to settle claims.
“I’m committed to learning about the issues before our church, including the funds the archdiocese has set aside to help resolve sexual abuse claims,” Archbishop Hicks said.
“As a Church, we can never rest in our efforts to prevent abuse, to protect children and to care for survivors. While this work is challenging, it’s difficult, it’s painful, I hope it will continue to help in the areas of accountability, transparency and healing.”
Archbishop Hicks also expressed a commitment to immigration issues, during a time that the Trump Administration’s immigration crackdown has ramped up across the country, including in New York.
On a lighter note, in a cosmopolitan, world-renowned city that prides itself for having “the best” of everything, especially popular fare such as sports teams and food, the new archbishop showed off his Chicago roots when he made this disclosure:
“Let me begin with potentially my first controversial statement,” Archbishop Hicks said. “I’m a Cubs fan. And I love deep dish pizza. That said, I want you to know that I am going to remain a loyal Cubs fan. However, I am going to start rooting for the New York sports teams, and I already love your pizza. I love it a lot.”
FULL STORY
New archbishop ‘committed’ to immigration issues, accountability on abuse — and staying a Cubs fan (By Simone Orendain, OSV News)
