Archbishop Ronald Hicks was officially installed Friday at the New York City landmark St. Patrick’s Cathedralofficially took the helm after retirement Cardinal Timothy Dolan.

“I happen to love New York. I happen to love this town. So, start spreading the word, and I’m starting today,” Hicks said as he officially began his term as archbishop, according to the New York Times. archdiocese of new york. “Here are a few things you should know about me: I love Jesus. I love the church. I love people.”

Upon taking office, Hicks, who has served as Bishop of Joliet, Illinois since September 2020, becomes the 14th bishop and 11th archbishop to lead the Archdiocese of New York.

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New York Archbishop-designate Ronald A. Hicks, who succeeds Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who has held the position since 2009, holds up a letter from Pope Leo XIV announcing his new position during an installation Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on February 6, 2026, in New York City. (Angelina Katsanis/Pool/Reuters)

The installation ceremony began in traditional fashion, with the new archbishop knocking on the cathedral door before entering the church. Hicks knocked on the door of St Patrick’s Cathedral with a metal hammer and was greeted by Dolan, According to WNYW. The installation ceremony began with three processions that included dignitaries, congregational leaders and several bishops, The New York Times reported.

Hicks laid out his vision for the New York archdiocese, saying the church should focus on outreach and charity rather than serving current members.

“This is a call to be missionary churchnot a country club. The club exists to serve its members. The church, on the other hand, exists to go out and serve all people with faith, hope, and love in the name of Jesus Christ. This is not a criticism, but an invitation to renew who we are and rediscover why the church exists,” Hicks said, according to the report archdiocese of new york.

On Friday, February 6, 2026, Archbishop Ronald Hicks knocked on the central door of St. Patrick’s Cathedral to begin the reception of the Installation Mass in New York. (Stefan Jeremiah/Pool Photo source: Reuters)

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The change in leadership from Dolan to Hicks signals that the American church may be entering a new era with the Chicago native Pope Leo XIV The Associated Press noted that as the first American pope. The outlet also suggested that Hicks, seen as a Leo-type bishop, could join church leaders already opposing the Trump administration on issues such as immigration.

Dolan, who has led the archdiocese since 2009, announced his retirement in December and filed for retirement on his 75th birthday in February, as required by the church. Hicks, who was named his successor in December and took office on what would have been Dolan’s 75th birthday, noted that in his sermon.

New York Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks, who succeeds Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who has served since 2009, leaves after celebrating Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on February 6, 2026, in New York City. (Angelina Katsanis – Pool/Getty Images)

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“Cardinal Dolan, thank you for your generous leadership for seventeen years. Special thanks for your generous support of me, both publicly and privately. By the way, we know it’s your birthday. Happy birthday, ‘Always,'” Hicks said. “Ad multos annos” means “many years” in Latin.

Hicks was ordained pastor on May 21, 1994. archdiocese of chicago. From 2005 to 2009, he headed Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos, a charity caring for orphans in Latin America. Hicks’ work with the charity, coupled with his fluency in Spanish, has helped deepen his connections with the immigrant community. Additionally, the AP notes, Hicks requested that the liturgy at his installation also be conducted in Spanish.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.