As the Church looks toward a new chapter under Pope Leo XIV, Archbishop Ronald Hicks of New York is calling Catholics to deepen their faith, embrace evangelization, and remain steadfast in hope, even amid life’s greatest challenges.
Speaking with Vatican News after receiving the pallium from Pope Leo in St. Peter’s Basilica, Archbishop Hicks reflected on the significance of the ancient symbol of communion shared by metropolitan archbishops with the Successor of St. Peter.
According to Vatican News, Archbishop Hicks described the moment as a visible sign of unity with the Holy Father and pointed to Pope Leo’s homily on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul as a model for the Church today. He recalled how the Pope emphasized that although Saints Peter and Paul were “so different, so diverse,” they remained united in their love for Christ and commitment to His mission.
The archbishop also shared his surprise at the warm reception he has received since arriving in New York. Contrary to common stereotypes, he said the city’s people have welcomed him with remarkable kindness.
“I have received this gracious welcome, not only from Catholics, but from New Yorkers all over,” Archbishop Hicks said, noting that even simple encounters around the city have reflected genuine hospitality. According to Vatican News, he believes New York demonstrates the universality of the Church, where people from every background come together in faith.
While acknowledging that every diocese faces challenges, Archbishop Hicks expressed optimism about what he sees as a growing spiritual hunger, particularly among young adults.
According to Vatican News, he observed that many people in their twenties and thirties are returning to the Church in search of authentic community, purpose, and opportunities to serve others. He said they are looking for something more lasting than what modern culture offers.
“I believe that the reason why we are seeing an increase in young adults re-engaging in the faith is they’ve seen some of the brokenness of the world,” Archbishop Hicks said. He added that many are discovering “what a world looks like when it is not connected to faith or to a moral tradition,” leading them to seek lasting truth in Christ and His Church.
The archbishop stressed that this renewed interest presents an important opportunity for the Church to strengthen formation, catechesis, and evangelization while remaining focused on serving others rather than itself.
“I want to ensure that we intentionally help, not only young people, but people of all ages, to come to know, love, and serve the Lord,” he said. He also emphasized that “we must continue to be a Church that is not self-referential, but a Church that is on mission and in service to others.”
Reflecting on his own vocation, Archbishop Hicks credited a newly ordained priest who encouraged him as a sixth-grade student to consider the priesthood, planting a seed that eventually led him to enter the seminary at just 14 years old.
He also spoke about the importance of a life rooted in prayer, explaining that daily time before the Blessed Sacrament, the celebration of the Eucharist, and the Liturgy of the Hours are essential for remaining united with Christ and faithfully discerning God’s will.
Addressing the challenges of an increasingly secular society, Archbishop Hicks encouraged Catholics to integrate their faith into every aspect of daily life instead of keeping it private. According to Vatican News, he cautioned against what he called a “false humility” that prevents believers from sharing Christ with others, while emphasizing that authentic evangelization should always be carried out with charity and respect.
He concluded with a message of encouragement for anyone struggling with uncertainty or fear.
“Never lose hope. Jesus is always in the boat with us,” Archbishop Hicks said. Even when life’s storms seem overwhelming, he reminded Catholics that Christ never abandons His people and continues to lead them forward in faith.
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