Pope Leo has appointed a new archbishop of New York who has first-hand experience of countries from where millions have emigrated to the United States, signaling the potential for a more outspoken approach from bishops on immigration.

Bishop Ronald Hicks, the current bishop of Joliet, Illinois, replaces the retiring Cardinal Timothy Dolan as archbishop of New York.

Pope Leo XIV has made a key US appointment, naming Bishop Ronald Hicks as the new archbishop of New York. The fellow Chicagoan will lead one of the nation's largest archdioceses, which faces the challenge of navigating relations with the Trump administration and its immigration crackdown.

Pope Leo on Thursday decried political leaders who invoke religious beliefs to justify conflicts or nationalist policies, calling that a form of blasphemy, or a serious sin that disrespects or insults God.