The replacement of Cardinal Timothy Dolan as Archbishop of New York is one of the most significant appointments made so far by Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope. This has created political and religious debate, the reason behind Dolan’s departure is rooted in Catholic Church law, not ideology.
Why did he resign?
Cardinal Dolan submitted his resignation in February, when he turned 75, in line with Canon 401 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law. “All bishops must submit their resignation to the Pope at the age of 75.” Under church rules, the pope may accept the resignation immediately or ask the bishop to remain in office until a successor is appointed. Bishops may continue serving until the age of 80 if requested.
Vatican delayed decision amid abuse litigation
The Vatican often delays leadership changes in major dioceses if there are unresolved issues such as abuse litigation or governance matters. In Dolan’s case, the transition came after he finalised a $300 million compensation fund last week to settle sexual abuse lawsuits against the Archdiocese of New York.
Who is Cardinal Timothy Michael Dolan?
Cardinal Timothy Michael Dolan, born February 6, 1950, is one of the most recognisable Catholic leaders in the United States. He was appointed Archbishop of New York in 2009 by Pope Benedict XVI after serving as Archbishop of Milwaukee.
He was elevated to cardinal in 2012 and served as president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops from 2010 to 2013. Dolan also participated in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis and the 2025 conclave that chose Pope Leo XIV.
While retiring from his archbishop post, Dolan will retain the title of cardinal for life. “However, only cardinals under the age of 80 can sit in the Conclave that elects a new pope,” the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops reported.
A conservative voice with political ties
Dolan is widely viewed as a conservative figure within the US Church and has been seen as having ties to the Republican administration. He was reportedly Donald Trump’s preferred candidate to succeed Pope Francis, though Dolan publicly criticised the former president for sharing an AI-generated image of Trump dressed as a pope ahead of the May conclave.
On Thursday, the Vatican announced that Bishop Ronald Hicks, the current bishop of Joliet, Illinois, will replace Dolan as Archbishop of New York. Hicks will lead one of the largest archdioceses in the US at a time when the Church is navigating tensions with the Trump administration, particularly over immigration policies. The appointment is widely seen as reflecting the vision of Pope Leo XIV, with Hicks viewed as a “Leo-style bishop.”
Hicks will be installed as Archbishop of New York on Friday, February 6, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, according to a press release from the Diocese of Joliet. He will continue serving in Joliet until then. “I have been deeply blessed to serve the people of the Diocese of Joliet,” Hicks said in the release. “I will carry the faith, generosity, and the spirit of this diocese with me as I begin this new chapter of ministry.”