Leo XIV Appointed Bishop Ronald Hicks as Archbishop of New York

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Next Archbishop of New York Is Deeply Francis' Man

gloria.tv | December 18, 2025

Monsignor Ronald Hicks - Bishop of Joliet and soon to become the new Archbishop of New York - first met Pope Francis on 29 June 2015.

After Francis’s death, he wrote about that meeting on Diocoliet.org on 5 May. Back then, he was standing in Saint Peter’s Basilica with Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich.

Cupich had been installed as Archbishop of Chicago in November 2014. In January 2015, he appointed Rev. Hicks as his Vicar General and in 2018 his auxiliary bishop.


“Now Is Your Chance”

In June 2015, Archbishop Cupich asked his Vicar General in the Basilica, “Have you ever met the Pope?”

When Hicks replied, “No,” Cupich grasped his arm and said with a smile, “Well, now is your chance.”

He led Hicks briskly toward Pope Francis and introduced him in Italian, saying, “Holy Father, this is Ron Hicks, my Vicar General, and he speaks Spanish.” Francis turned to Hicks and began speaking in Spanish.

Hicks recalls: “From that moment forward, whenever we encountered one another, we spoke exclusively in Spanish, always accompanied by his direct and attentive gaze. Pope Francis had a remarkable gift; he made me feel not only heard, but truly seen.”


"Francis' warmth as hallmark of his presence"

Monsignor Hicks continued: “His warmth, care, support and joy were not reserved for a select few — they were the hallmarks of his presence with everyone he encountered.”

He added: “Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis courageously addressed theological, ecclesial and spiritual — as well as controversial — matters with conviction and pastoral tenderness (no irony intended).”

And: “The list of his contributions to the Church and to humanity is truly inexhaustible.”

"Francis' Leadership Transcended Religious Divides"

Following Francis’s death, Bishop Hicks was "particularly touched" by messages he received from Protestant ministers, rabbis, imams and government leaders.

Pope Francis’s life and leadership "transcended boundaries, reaching hearts across religious, cultural and political divides", Bishop Hicks believes. He thanks God for "the gift of Pope Francis".