Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Ronald Hicks of the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois, as the next archbishop of New York, the Vatican announced Thursday.

On Thursday, Pope Leo XIV selected Bishop Ronald Hicks of Joliet, Illinois, to lead the Archdiocese of New York, replacing Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who led New York's 2.8 million Catholics for about 17 years.

Largest US Catholic archdiocese is raising funds, selling assets and cutting costs to compensate about 1,300 victims

The announcement comes after hundreds of lawsuits were filed against the Archdiocese of New York, asking for compensation for injuries and suffering.

From St. Patrick’s Cathedral to the White House to Fox News, he comfortably inhabited many spheres of influence.

Multiple news reports indicated that Pope Leo XIV had chosen Bishop Ronald Hicks, 58, of the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois — the pontiff's hometown is on the south side of Chicago — to be the next archbishop of New York.

"As we have repeatedly acknowledged, the sexual abuse of minors long ago has brought shame upon our church," Cardinal Timothy Dolan said