New York's incoming archbishop will emphasize evangelizing and reengagement

Ronald Hicks said he will prioritize evangelizing and reengaging people who have drifted from the church as he becomes New York's archbishop; he has requested parts of his installation liturgy be said in Spanish.

Ronald Hicks will be installed as archbishop of New York at St. Patrick's Cathedral on Friday, and he says his immediate priority is evangelizing and reengaging people who have drifted from the church. He referenced gratitude and the church's mission in a recent homily and said he will frequently cite Pope Leo XIV's vision. Hicks spent five years in El Salvador directing a church-run orphanage program that operated in several Latin American and Caribbean countries and has emphasized social justice and human dignity in messages to immigrants. His appointment follows Pope Leo XIV's December selection to replace the retiring Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Details: - Ronald Hicks said he will focus on making disciples and reengaging those who have been less involved with the church. - Hicks requested that elements of his installation liturgy be said in Spanish. - He previously led a church-run orphanage program in El Salvador that served multiple countries in the region. - His remarks have emphasized social justice and human dignity, particularly in messages to immigrants. - Hicks was chosen in December to succeed Cardinal Timothy Dolan; Dolan finalized a plan to establish a $300 million fund to compensate victims of sexual abuse who had sued the archdiocese. Summary: The change in leadership marks a new chapter for one of the nation's largest archdioceses, which serves roughly 2.5 million Catholics across New York City boroughs and nearby counties. Hicks plans a pastoral agenda centered on outreach, gratitude and collaboration with Pope Leo XIV's vision, and he has said he looks forward to meeting New York's new mayor. The installation is scheduled for Friday and further contacts with city officials were described as forthcoming.