Timothy Cardinal Dolan welcomed Bishop Ronald Hicks to St. Patrick's Cathedral on Thursday after Pope Leo XIV officially accepted Dolan's resignation and named Hicks the new archbishop of New York. 

Dolan introduced his successor, the 58-year-old bishop from the Diocese of Joliet in Illinois, with his signature grace and humility. 

While many New York Catholics may be sad to see Dolan stepping down, the cardinal assured them he believes they are in good hands. 

"Saint Nicholas has left us an early Christmas gift in the appointment by Pope Leo XIV of our new archbishop, Ronald Hicks," Dolan said during the news conference. "I've gotten to know him and I already love him and appreciate him and trust him." 

"With great humility, I accept this appointment"  

Like Pope Leo, Hicks is a Chicago native who speaks fluent Spanish after years of ministering in Latin America. He grew up cheering for the Cubs and enjoying the Windy City's deep dish pizza.

He will now lead the millions of Catholics who call New York home.

"With great humility, I accept this appointment. I ask for your prayers. I ask for your support as we take these next steps together," Hicks said.

He said he comes to the Big Apple anxious to connect with the city in all its diversity.

"I'm going to give it my all, all of my heart. I'm really grateful and humble to be called here," Hicks said.

Why Cardinal Dolan resigned

Dolan submitted his resignation in February when he turned 75, as required by the Vatican. Since 2009, the larger-than-life leader has served as New York's archbishop, overseeing the second-largest archdiocese in the nation.

"Is there sadness in my heart? Sure, because I love the Archdiocese of New York. That sadness is mitigated by the gift that this archbishop already is," Dolan said. 

"I love Jesus with my mind, heart and soul"

After Dolan's kind, fearless leadership and generosity of spirit brought together New Yorkers of all faiths, many are now eager to learn more about Hicks, the man who will take his place.

"If you want to know the core of who I am and what I stand for, you should know this: I love Jesus with my mind, heart and soul, and I strive to love my neighbor as myself. My desire is to be obedient to the Holy Spirit and to do the will of God, serving with a shepherd's heart," Hicks said.

Hicks pays tribute to Dolan

The archbishop-elect later spoke with CBS News New York's Tony Aiello at SiriusXM's Midtown studio, where he was a last-minute addition to the taping of Dolan's Christmas show. Hicks said he is not yet a New Yorker and not pretending to be one.

"I woke up after a restless night, you know, a few things were on my mind," Hick said with a laugh.

The archbishop-elect said he's fully aware of the legacy Dolan will leave behind.

"Absolutely, I recognize I have very big shoes to fill, [with] a big personality and he's been a wonderful, big leader. I recognize with great humility that I'm not him," Hicks said.

Hicks will officially take over for Dolan in February during a formal ceremony at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Asked what the future has in store for him, Dolan said he plans to do some teaching and make himself available to the new archbishop to serve in any way he is asked.

"[Hicks] said, 'You are staying, right?' I said, 'I hope so. I look forward to being one of your priests, so you're still stuck with me!'" Dolan said.