In a move that sent shockwaves through both the Catholic Church and American politics, Pope Leo has officially accepted the resignation of Cardinal Timothy Dolan, long seen as the spiritual face of Trumpism in the Church.
He has replaced Dolan with Bishop Ronald Hicks – a low-profile, media-shy cleric focused on missionary work rather than political controversies. This decision has been widely interpreted as a clear signal that the Vatican is distancing itself from Trump politics, particularly the “Trumpism” style within the U.S. Church
Cardinal Dolan was far from an ordinary figure in the Church. He was a familiar face on Fox News, led prayers at Donald Trump’s inauguration, and frequently voiced culture-war positions aligned with MAGA.
Dolan also praised prominent Trump supporters, including commentator Charlie Kirk, calling them “modern-day Saint Paul.” His close alignment with Trump made him a symbol of the blending of Trump politics and American Catholicism.
Pope Leo’s decision to replace him marks a complete break from that image. Bishop Ronald Hicks, 58, raised near Chicago with a missionary background, avoids public controversies and focuses on unity and healing, signaling a new direction for the U.S. Church.Hicks’ appointment emphasizes collaboration and compassion over political spectacle, representing a sharp pivot from Dolan’s performative politics. This move clearly ends the privileged position of Trumpism within the American Church and underscores the Vatican’s commitment to moral and ethical independence.
Experts note that this was no accident. While bishops submit resignations at age 75, popes are not required to accept them immediately. By swiftly accepting Dolan’s resignation and appointing Hicks, the Vatican made its intentions unmistakable: change leadership style and reduce overt political influence in the Church.The move also reflects Pope Leo’s growing opposition to Trump’s policies. He has repeatedly criticized the president’s “inhumane” immigration policies and urged restraint on actions such as threats toward Venezuela. Replacing Dolan with Hicks signals that the Vatican will no longer attempt to reconcile Trumpism with Christian compassion.
Additionally, this transition marks a new approach for the U.S. Church in dealing with politics. Dolan once represented a Church intertwined with conservative politics, whereas Hicks embodies a Church focused on moral integrity, unity, and healing societal wounds.
With Hicks set to be installed as Archbishop of New York on February 6, a new era officially begins. MAGA politics, once given a privileged seat in America’s largest pulpit, must now take a step back.
This change is more than a personnel shift. It sends a strong message that the U.S. Church will not let any political movement, even Trumpism, overshadow core moral values. It is clear evidence that the Vatican is reaffirming its ethical authority and independence while drawing a line from Trump politics within the U.S. Church, opening a new chapter for the Church in an era of extreme political polarization.