Ronald Hicks

All right, Christine.

It had to be a difficult night hosting this event for Archbishop Ronald Hicks, whose father just died last night, and there were prayers for Pope Leo suffering from cancer.

But the Al Smith dinner, a $5,000-a-plate fundraiser, always becomes a joke fest, and in some cases, the zingers come from people you least expect.

The Waldorf Astoria Ballroom was packed for the 2026 Al Smith dinner, with Mayor Mamdani alongside Governor Hochul, and a first for the new Archbishop of New York, Ronald Hicks.

Sometimes to project confidence, we'll say things like, "Well, you know, this isn't my first rodeo." And, uh ...

But friends, this is my first rodeo.

If he's going through it with all that strength, who am I to be fearful of?

And Archbishop of New York, Ronald Hicks, had also released a statement saying that he is joining millions of people around the world, keeping the Pope in his prayers.

Live in the Midtown, Jayshia Patel, Channel 7 Eyewitness News.

Jayshia, thank you.

And hopefully we'll find out more information today or in the coming days about what the future will hold for the Pope.

Obviously, his travel plans are halted due to his health and because of this surgery.

And Archbishop of New York, Ronald Hicks, says, you know, he's keeping the Pope in his prayers, just like the millions of people around the world.

Live in Midtown, Jason Patel, Channel 7 Eyewitness

There is a chance that the surgery itself could have been curative, but of course, we have to wait for that formal analysis.

Archbishop Ronald Hicks saying, quote, "We thank God that the surgery on Pope Leo was, by all accounts, successful, and that he continues his recovery and recuperation.

I know that I join with people from all corners of this archdiocese across the country and around the world in keeping the Holy Father in our prayers."

I believe all things happen for a reason, and that the Pope is probably offering, his cross that he's carrying, he's offering it for the world.

The procedure comes ahead of his upcoming tour in South America.

Eyewitness News reporter Lucy Yang with the details and what the Archbishop of New York had to say.

Lucy.

Well, Joe, health concerns at the Vatican tonight center on the pontiff himself.

The 71-year-old religious leader was elected to be the Pope in May of 2025.

He has not served long, but the news was met with promises of prayers worldwide.

The Archbishop of New York, Ronald Hicks, who is away on a week-long pilgrimage, issued a statement saying he will be, quote, "...asking Jesus, the divine physician, to watch over him and guide the hands of his surgeons, nurses, and other caregivers." The Pope will have his operation at a local hospital in Rome.

He closed his message on Sunday looking out on St. Peter's Square, thanking his flock for their spiritual support and wishing them a good Sunday.

The New York Liberty are one step closer to another WNBA championship, but they'll have to get past a red-hot Dream team to get there.

St. Patrick's Cathedral will hold a mass this afternoon in celebration of former Archbishop Fulton Sheen.

Sheen died in 1979.

He was a beloved author, preacher, television and radio personality.

Current Archbishop of New York, Ronald Hicks, will receive the Sheen relic during this afternoon's reception.

Uh, last week Sheen was beatified, meaning he is just one step away from sainthood in the Catholic Church.

The New York Liberty now know which team they'll face in the next round of the WNBA playoffs.

Cahill has led the Diocese of Victoria since Pope Francis appointed him in 2015.

He succeeds Ronald Hicks, who led the Joliet Diocese from 2020 to 2026 before becoming Archbishop of New York.

And that's the latest in news.

Monday's Sports Update is brought to you by Iowa Cubs Baseball, offering plenty of fun for everyone.

He is taking over the second largest diocese here in Illinois, leading a half a million Catholics in the west and southwest suburbs.

He replaces Bishop Ronald Hicks, who was installed as the Archbishop of New York City earlier this year.

I've known Joliet for a long time, that it's a dynamic Catholic environment.

And so I knew God has chosen me for a large task, and I trust the Lord will give me what I need.

That's great.

Bishop Cahill replaces Bishop Ronald Hicks, who became Archbishop of New York City earlier this year.

Bears, Cubs, Fire, White Sox, I mean, all of the teams, right? Some divine intervention we accept all the time, for sure.

Thanks so much for that.