International
New York’s New Archbishop Names Óscar Romero as His Favorite Saint
Ronald Hicks, the newly appointed archbishop of New York, has revealed that his favorite saint is Salvadoran martyr Óscar Arnulfo Romero, who was assassinated in March 1980 during the country’s civil conflict.
In an interview with The Good News, Hicks once again expressed his affection for El Salvador and his admiration for Romero. A missionary since the beginning of his priesthood, Hicks lived in Mexico and later served in El Salvador from 2010 to 2015 as regional director of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos, a network of homes for abandoned children based in Santa Ana.
During the interview, conducted on February 1, just days before formally taking office, Hicks said he still feels deeply connected to the country. “I left a little piece of my heart there,” he said, adding that his favorite Salvadoran food is pupusas revueltas.
His devotion to Romero is such that he even placed a small branch symbolizing the saint on his episcopal coats of arms, both in Chicago and now in New York.
On December 18, Pope Leo XIV named Hicks as the new archbishop of New York after Cardinal Timothy Dolan reached the age limit established by the Church to remain in the position.
Hicks was installed on February 6 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in the Bronx. In his first interview in Spanish, he reaffirmed his closeness to the Hispanic community in the United States, saying he hopes to walk alongside them in their journey of faith.
“The most important message I have for everyone, whether from Venezuela or any other country, is that you have an archbishop who has a deep love for the Hispanic community and for Latino culture. It is not just words, it is real love. If part of the community is suffering, I am suffering. If part of the community is celebrating, I am celebrating too. What a joy, what a privilege it is for me to walk with the Hispanic people,” he told The Good News.
Known as “Father Ron” by the faithful he served in El Salvador, Hicks is regarded as a traditional prelate with a special concern for Hispanics, the marginalized and the poor. He speaks fluent Spanish, and many expect his experience in Central America to be valuable in strengthening ties with Latino communities in New York.
According to Catholic media, he was appointed archdiocesan vicar general in Chicago in 2015 and three years later became an auxiliary bishop there.
Although his current responsibilities limit his involvement, Hicks has maintained a relationship with Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos. His years in the “Pulgarcito de América,” as El Salvador is affectionately known, left a lasting mark on his ministry.
International
UN warns Venezuela earthquakes could affect up to 6.76 million people
Up to 6.76 million people could be affected by the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, according to an assessment released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a United Nations agency.
The organization said the projections are based on available population data and damage assessments, and include up to two million people living in Caracas, the country’s capital.
The estimates highlight the potentially massive humanitarian impact of the disaster, the IOM warned.
Entire buildings collapsed in La Guaira, a coastal area north of Caracas, following the powerful twin earthquakes that reached magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 on Wednesday.
The national death toll has risen to 920, while rescue teams continue searching for people trapped beneath the rubble in coastal regions and other affected areas.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher told AFP on Friday that more than 50,000 people were reported missing.
The IOM also revealed that it worked with Microsoft’s artificial intelligence laboratory on an initial satellite mapping analysis, which showed that 31.5% of buildings in the town of Catia La Mar had suffered damage.
Authorities and international rescue teams continue operations as Venezuela faces one of its largest humanitarian emergencies in recent years.
International
United Nations Coordinates Relief Efforts as Venezuela Death Toll Rises After Twin Quakes
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday expressed his condolences to the people of Venezuela following the two devastating earthquakes that struck the country and highlighted the ongoing coordination between UN humanitarian teams and interim President Delcy Rodríguez.
Speaking during the UN’s daily press briefing, spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Guterres was deeply saddened by the loss of life and widespread destruction caused by the disaster.
“The Secretary-General is deeply distressed by the loss of life and the widespread devastation caused by the earthquakes that struck Venezuela yesterday. He extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured,” Dujarric stated.
Venezuela was struck on Wednesday by two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude. According to official figures, the disaster has left at least 164 people dead and 971 others injured.
Dujarric noted that preliminary reports indicate significant damage across several states, including the capital, Caracas. Numerous casualties have been reported, while other individuals remain trapped beneath collapsed structures or are still missing.
“Critical infrastructure has been damaged and essential services have been disrupted,” the spokesperson said.
The United Nations confirmed that its humanitarian team remains in close contact with interim President Delcy Rodríguez and other relevant authorities as emergency operations continue.
To support relief efforts, the UN has established a coordination center in Caracas and is assisting local authorities to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches affected communities as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Guterres also welcomed the expressions of solidarity and offers of assistance from countries around the world that responded following news of the disaster, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in addressing the humanitarian emergency.
International
OAS Secretary General Pledges Regional Assistance Following Venezuela Quake Disaster
The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin, said on Thursday that the “hemispheric community” stands ready to provide “full support” to Venezuela and its people following the powerful earthquakes that struck the country overnight, leaving at least 164 people dead and nearly 1,000 injured.
Speaking at the conclusion of the OAS General Assembly, Ramdin expressed solidarity not only with Venezuela but also with Colombia, Curaçao and Aruba, where the tremors were also felt.
“Above all, our thoughts are with these peoples,” he said during his remarks.
Ramdin noted that while many details about the disaster are still emerging, countries across the hemisphere are prepared to assist Venezuela as it responds to the crisis.
“Much remains unknown at this stage, but the hemispheric community will be ready to support the people of Venezuela during this very difficult time,” he stated, reiterating the organization’s commitment to helping those affected.
According to updated information released by the Venezuelan government, the powerful earthquakes have been followed by at least 30 aftershocks. Authorities have also reported extensive structural damage, including numerous building collapses in La Guaira, the area considered hardest hit by the disaster.
Rescue efforts are currently focused on La Guaira, where emergency teams continue searching for survivors trapped beneath the rubble as officials assess the full extent of the damage.
UN warns Venezuela earthquakes could affect up to 6.76 million people
United Nations Coordinates Relief Efforts as Venezuela Death Toll Rises After Twin Quakes
OAS Secretary General Pledges Regional Assistance Following Venezuela Quake Disaster
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