Dennis Poust, executive director of the New York State Catholic Conference, made the following statement following Thursday’s announcement that Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan from pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of New York upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75, and appointed Bishop Ronald A. Hicks of Joliet, Illinois, as Archbishop of New York:

“We joyfully welcome Archbishop-designate Ronald Hicks as the new metropolitan Archbishop of New York. Archbishop-designate Hicks is known as a man of deep faith, strong intellect, and a pastoral love for those in his spiritual care. We look forward to many years of working with him in his new role as President of the New York State Catholic Conference, and for the guidance and leadership he will provide, along with his brother bishops, in setting the public policy priorities of the Church.

“At the same time, the staff of the Conference and I express our heartfelt gratitude and love for Cardinal Timothy Dolan. The Church has had no better evangelist than Cardinal Dolan during his 16 years as Archbishop of New York. His joy is infectious, as is his abiding faith. His wit and his intellect are disarming in equal measure. As much as we have valued his pastoral leadership, we have appreciated the personal touch and affection he always brought to all his individual dealings with us. We have been so blessed. Cardinal Dolan has so much more to give to the Church, and we wish him a long, healthy, and fruitful retirement.