December 18, 2025
Dear Friends,
Peace be with you.
Today, December 18, 2025, it was officially announced that I will be installed as the 11th Archbishop of the Archdiocese of New York on Friday, February 6, 2026.
I want to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to Pope Leo XIV for this appointment. Growing up in the south suburbs of Chicago, just a stone’s throw from where he grew up, and having spent part of my priesthood in missionary work in Latin America, I feel a deep connection to him. His leadership is a guiding light for me, and I accept this new role with humility and an open heart.
I am also grateful to Cardinal Christophe Pierre, our apostolic nuncio, for his trust. When he called to share this news, I told him I simply wish to do God’s will. Receiving his phone call on the feast of Saint Juan Diego is a reminder that sometimes God calls us to things that feel beyond us, but with grace and faith, we can answer yes.
I also want to offer a heartfelt thank you to Cardinal Timothy Dolan for his more than 17 years of leadership in New York. I have been touched by his gracious support and encouragement.
These past five years in Joliet have been a true blessing for me. I have felt grateful, happy, and deeply blessed to serve as your bishop. Together we have catechized, evangelized, and put our faith into action. The relationships we have built, the faith we have shared, and the journey we have walked together are treasures I will carry with me to New York.
As you continue to read, share, and embrace my pastoral letter, “MAKE,” I ask you to let it keep guiding you. Please do not let it sit on a shelf, gathering dust. Instead, continue to implement it as a living, breathing call to be disciples who MAKE disciples.
I have much to learn in New York, and I will serve there as I have served here, with all my heart. I trust in God’s will and count on your prayers. Know that as you pray for me, I am praying for you, with immense gratitude and love.
With good wishes, may God bless you this Advent season as we prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus.
As I remain --
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Ronald A. Hicks
Bishop of the Diocese of Joliet and Archbishop designate of the Archdiocese of New York
Dear Friends,
Peace be with you.
Today, December 18, 2025, it was officially announced that I will be installed as the 11th Archbishop of the Archdiocese of New York on Friday, February 6, 2026.
I want to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to Pope Leo XIV for this appointment. Growing up in the south suburbs of Chicago, just a stone’s throw from where he grew up, and having spent part of my priesthood in missionary work in Latin America, I feel a deep connection to him. His leadership is a guiding light for me, and I accept this new role with humility and an open heart.
I am also grateful to Cardinal Christophe Pierre, our apostolic nuncio, for his trust. When he called to share this news, I told him I simply wish to do God’s will. Receiving his phone call on the feast of Saint Juan Diego is a reminder that sometimes God calls us to things that feel beyond us, but with grace and faith, we can answer yes.
I also want to offer a heartfelt thank you to Cardinal Timothy Dolan for his more than 17 years of leadership in New York. I have been touched by his gracious support and encouragement.
These past five years in Joliet have been a true blessing for me. I have felt grateful, happy, and deeply blessed to serve as your bishop. Together we have catechized, evangelized, and put our faith into action. The relationships we have built, the faith we have shared, and the journey we have walked together are treasures I will carry with me to New York.
As you continue to read, share, and embrace my pastoral letter, “MAKE,” I ask you to let it keep guiding you. Please do not let it sit on a shelf, gathering dust. Instead, continue to implement it as a living, breathing call to be disciples who MAKE disciples.
I have much to learn in New York, and I will serve there as I have served here, with all my heart. I trust in God’s will and count on your prayers. Know that as you pray for me, I am praying for you, with immense gratitude and love.
With good wishes, may God bless you this Advent season as we prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus.
As I remain --
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Ronald A. Hicks
Bishop of the Diocese of Joliet and Archbishop designate of the Archdiocese of New York
