Pope Leo XIV Joliet Bishop Ronald Hicks is expected to be named the next archbishop of New York “as early as this week,” succeeding Cardinal Timothy Dolan, according to a source with direct knowledge of the archdiocese.

The news comes after Dolan issued a mandatory retirement request to Pope Leo in February, when he turned 75.

“There are rumors that Pope Leo will accept Cardinal Dolan’s resignation this week, Appointment of Bishop Ron Hicks to replace him,” a source told Fox Digital News.

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Joliet Bishop Ronald Hicks is expected to be named New York’s next archbishop. (YouTube/Diocese of Joliet)

The source also stressed that “it would be very strange to replace a beloved cardinal before Christmas.”

This latest development is a sign of things to come Changes in leadership One of the most famous Catholic archdioceses in the world, also on Christmas Eve.

Dolan has served as archbishop of New York since being appointed by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009 after serving in Milwaukee.

Hicks, 58, could have been a major contender because he Midwestern Roots and reputation.

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Cardinal Dolan and Maria Bartiromo in an exclusive interview at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, (Fox News/Screenshot)

Hicks was born in Harvey, Illinois, raised in South Holland, and was ordained Bishop of Joliet pope francis 2020.

His ties to Illinois and the Chicago area (where Pope Leo also grew up) can be seen as strengthening his position.

talking about pope Shortly after his election in 2024, Hicks told WGN-TV that the pope felt “relatable,” noting, “He’s a regular guy from a regular neighborhood that we grew up in.”

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Pope Leo XIV boards a plane bound for Ankara at Fiumicino International Airport in Rome, Italy, on November 27, 2025. (Ricardo DeLuca/Anadolu, Getty Images)

On Monday, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, who has ties to Dolan and the Archdiocese of New York, shared a post about the incident on X.

“Rumor is circulating that @Pontifex has accepted @CardinalDolan’s resignation and will appoint Bishop Ron Hicks of Joliet, IL,” the post read.

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If confirmed, Hicks would also take over the leadership role at a difficult time for the New York Archdiocese.

Church is facing over 1,300 people Clergy sex abuse allegationsthere is an urgent need to raise approximately $300 million in settlement funds.

According to reports, on December 9, the archdiocese announced that it would compensate the victims fox 5.

To meet these obligations, the Archdiocese has implemented layoffs, cut its operating budget by 10%, and begun Sale of major real estate assets.

The company also announced the sale of land beneath the Lotte New York Palace Hotel for $490 million, while it also expects to receive $100 million from the sale of its former headquarters at 1011 First Avenue.

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Fox News Digital has reached out to the Archdiocese of New York and the Diocese of Joliet for comment.