Cardinal Dolan Set to Resign: Potential Successors Revealed
Cardinal Timothy Dolan is anticipated to resign as the archbishop of New York as he approaches the mandatory retirement age set by the Catholic Church. Born in February 1950, Dolan turned 75 earlier this year, prompting the submission of his resignation request to the pope.
Cardinal Dolan’s Tenure and Impact
Dolan has served as archbishop since 2009, when he was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI. Before leading the Archdiocese of New York, he was the archbishop of Milwaukee. Under Dolan’s leadership, he has become a recognizable figure in American Catholicism, often engaging with media and addressing critical cultural and political matters.
Potential Successor: Bishop Ronald Hicks
Reports suggest that Bishop Ronald Hicks is the frontrunner to replace Dolan. Hicks, 58, has been the bishop of Joliet, Illinois since 2020, following his appointment by Pope Francis. His background includes a childhood in Harvey, Illinois, and he has garnered a reputation for stability and effective administration.
- Current Archdiocese: New York, one of the largest in the United States.
- Millions of Catholics: Hicks would lead a diverse community spread across Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, and nearby suburban regions.
- Leadership Change: The transition is expected to be announced soon, possibly before Christmas.
Vatican Procedures and Speculations
The Vatican generally remains silent on episcopal transitions until they are officially confirmed. However, insiders indicate that the decision may come swiftly, with discussions surrounding Dolan’s resignation intensifying. It is uncommon for the Vatican to appoint a new archbishop during the holiday season, making this situation particularly noteworthy.
As the Catholic community in New York braces for this significant leadership change, the potential appointment of Bishop Hicks could signal a new direction for the archdiocese, especially in contemporary issues facing the Church.
