8 months ago
Cardinal Dolan Steps Down as New York Archbishop
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who was the Archbishop of New York, has stepped down because he turned 75, which is the age when bishops are supposed to offer their resignation according to church rules.
The Pope can accept the resignation right away or ask the bishop to stay until a new one is found.
The Vatican waited to make a decision because there were some legal issues to settle, like paying money to people who were hurt by the church.
Cardinal Dolan is a well-known leader in the Catholic Church in the United States.
He will keep his title as a cardinal, but he won't be able to vote for the next pope because he's over 80.
The new Archbishop of New York is Bishop Ronald Hicks, who is currently the bishop of Joliet, Illinois.
He will start his new job on February 6, 2026.
Bishop Hicks is seen as someone who shares the ideas of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope.
This change is important because the Catholic Church is dealing with some tough issues, like disagreements with the government about immigration policies.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan resigned as Archbishop of New York at 75, as per church law.
The Vatican delayed the decision due to unresolved sexual abuse litigation.
Dolan finalized a $300 million compensation fund for abuse lawsuits.
Bishop Ronald Hicks of Joliet, Illinois, appointed as Dolan's successor.
Hicks will be installed as Archbishop of New York on February 6, 2026.
- Who
- Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Bishop Ronald Hicks, Pope Leo XIV
- What
- Cardinal Dolan stepping down as Archbishop of New York, Bishop Hicks appointed as successor
- Where
- Archdiocese of New York, Diocese of Joliet, Illinois
- When
- Dolan's resignation submitted in February 2025, Hicks to be installed February 6, 2026
- Why
- Dolan resigned at 75 as per church law, Hicks appointed to reflect Pope Leo XIV's vision
Key facts
- Cardinal Timothy Dolan
- Archbishop of New York from 2009 to 2026, born February 6, 1950
- Resignation Reason
- Submitted resignation at 75, as per Canon 401 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law
- Compensation Fund
- $300 million for sexual abuse lawsuits against the Archdiocese of New York
- Replacement
- Bishop Ronald Hicks, current bishop of Joliet, Illinois
- Installation Date
- February 6, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- Pope Leo XIV
- First American pope, appointed Bishop Hicks as Dolan's successor
Quotes
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
An organization representing the Catholic bishops in the United States
“However, only cardinals under the age of 80 can sit in the Conclave that elects a new pope.”
financialexpress.com
Bishop Ronald Hicks
The current bishop of Joliet, Illinois, and the newly appointed Archbishop of New York
“I have been deeply blessed to serve the people of the Diocese of Joliet. I will carry the faith, generosity, and the spirit of this diocese with me as I begin this new chapter of ministry.”
financialexpress.com
