Pope Leo makes bold move to replace Trump-friendly cardinal with pro-migrant leader

Pope Leo XIV has replaced President Donald Trump's ally and conservative Cardinal Timothy Dolan with a pro-migrant leader and fellow Chicagoan.

Ronald Hicks, 52, who is the current bishop of Joliet, Illinois, will replace Dolan as the leader of New York’s Roman Catholic archdiocese, The Guardian reported. Dolan, who is retiring, has selected for the role by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012.

Hicks and Pope Leo grew up a few blocks away from each other in Chicago's south suburbs, according to The New York Times. The move is "one of the most anticipated decisions of Pope Leo’s young papacy, his first major move indicating the direction he wants the church to take in his home country."

Catholic leaders last month issued a rare rebuke of Trump's immigration policies. Dolan has been criticized by other clergy members for his public ties to Trump, frequent appearances on Fox News and refusal to speak out against the harsh treatment of immigrants.

Leo, the first American-born pope, has issued harsh criticism of Trump and his administration, condemning lethal boat strikes in the Caribbean Sea, just off the coast of Venezuela.

"The choice suggests a significant shift in leadership style for New York’s archdiocese, the country’s second largest and one of its most influential, serving 2.5 million Catholics across the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island and several areas north of the city, according to statistics provided by the archdiocese," The Times reported. "The selection also comes at a pivotal moment in the city’s political and religious life."

Hicks will be installed as archbishop on Feb. 6 at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City.