New York Archbishop Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan and Republican presidential nominee and President Donald Trump attend the 79th annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner in Manhattan, October 17, 2024. © REUTERS/Brendan McDermid
(New York, NY) – The timing of the decision has sparked controversy and debate. Cardinal Timothy Dolan — almost 10 months after turning 75, at which time he submitted his retirement — Pope Leo XIV has accepted, paving the way for a left-of-center ally to run the New York Archdiocese.
Under church law, Catholic bishops must submit resignations to the pope at age 75 — but it’s the pontiff’s decision whether or not to accept. Dolan, who has served as the archbishop in New York since 2009, says he is at peace with stepping down. He led the influential archdiocese for nearly 16 years.
While the resignation process is standard, rooted in a 1966 decree by Pope Paul VI that encouraged bishops to step down at 75 to promote renewal and younger leadership, the choice of successor has drawn scrutiny. Critics, particularly from conservative Catholic commentators, describe it as a deliberate “shake-up” aimed at sidelining a prominent figure known for his traditionalist leanings and close ties to former President Donald Trump. Dolan, who has praised Trump’s Christian faith and delivered invocations at his events, is reportedly a personal friend of the president. In one notable instance, Dolan drew controversy by comparing the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk to that of St. Paul the Apostle, a comparison some deemed excessive.
Pope Leo XIV, often characterized as a left-of-center influencer within the Church—much like his predecessor Pope Francis—has discretion over whether to accept such resignations immediately or extend a bishop’s tenure. By opting to accept Dolan’s, observers suggest the pope is steering the US Roman Catholic Church toward a more progressive direction, particularly on issues like immigration. The Church has increasingly criticized strict immigration enforcement, warning against “indiscriminate mass deportations.” This stance aligns with Pope Leo’s vision of a Church that embraces the growing Latino demographic, as the American Catholic population moves in that direction in particular.
Bishop Hicks, 58, brings a background that resonates with this shift. Originally from Illinois—like Pope Leo—Hicks served five years in El Salvador working with orphaned children and also spent time in Mexico. Pope Leo completed similar work in Peru for years. Both men’s experiences abroad have shaped their advocacy for migrants. Hicks recently publicly expressed solidarity with them, voicing “concerns, opposition, and hope” regarding what he apparently sees as harsh policies. For some, Hicks’ appointment signals opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration law enforcement — perhaps emphasizing the US’s wealth and so-called “capacity” to support newcomers.
The New York Archdiocese, one of the most prominent in the world, has traditionally been a “cardinalatial see,” where the archbishop is elevated to cardinal at the next consistory. However, Hicks’ appointment does not automatically confer the red hat; that remains a separate papal decision. As he steps into the role, Hicks inherits significant challenges, including managing a $300 million clerical sexual abuse settlement fund. He has emphasized the need for the Church to confront wrongdoing head-on, stating that it must “not be afraid to address difficult truths.”
This transition reflects broader tensions within the global Catholic Church between progressive and conservative factions. Pope Leo’s choice may indicate a desire to align the American Catholic Church more closely with his priorities, including support for immigrants and a focus on social justice. Conservative voices argue that Dolan’s ouster removes a key ally to traditional values and Trump-era policies, potentially exacerbating divisions.As the Church navigates these changes, Hicks’ leadership in New York could set the tone for how American Catholicism engages with pressing societal issues in the years ahead. The Vatican has not commented further on the motivations behind the appointment, but the move underscores the pope’s authority in shaping the Church’s future direction.
