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.

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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.

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International

Oil prices surge again as Middle East tensions persist

Oil prices climbed again on Friday for a second consecutive session, as markets remained concerned about a prolonged conflict in the Middle East with no tangible diplomatic progress.

North Sea Brent crude for May delivery rose 4.22% to close at $112.57 per barrel.

Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) approached the $100 mark, settling at $99.64, up 5.46%.

The decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to delay by ten days his ultimatum for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz failed to reassure market participants.

“It means there will be ten additional days of disruptions in the Middle East for crude and refined product flows,” said Andy Lipow, of Lipow Oil Associates.

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“For prices to come down, a resolution to the conflict is necessary,” Lipow added. “And even in the event of a ceasefire, it is not certain that Iran would allow oil shipments to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.”

International

Young Spanish Woman Receives Euthanasia After Legal Battle, Sparking Debate

A 25-year-old Spanish woman, Noelia Castillo, received euthanasia on Thursday following a prolonged legal dispute with her father.

She passed away at a care center in Sant Pere de Ribes, about 40 kilometers from Barcelona, where she had been living for some time, according to Spanish media reports.

In an interview broadcast a day earlier on Antena 3, Castillo expressed her exhaustion after enduring prolonged suffering. She indicated that her decision was influenced by a combination of personal circumstances and health-related challenges, including family conflicts and a condition of paraplegia following a previous incident that left her with lasting physical consequences.

Spain legalized euthanasia in 2021, becoming one of the few countries that allow patients under strict conditions to seek medical assistance to end their lives in order to avoid what the law defines as unbearable suffering.

The case has reignited debate in Spain over the ethical, legal, and family dimensions surrounding euthanasia, as well as the broader issue of support for individuals in vulnerable situations.

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International

Over 300 U.S. Troops Wounded Since Start of Iran Conflict, CENTCOM Says

More than 300 U.S. service members have been injured since the start of the conflict with Iran on February 28, the United States Central Command confirmed on Friday.

“Since the beginning of Operation Epic Fury, approximately 303 U.S. service members have been wounded. The vast majority of these injuries are minor, and 273 troops have already returned to duty,” said U.S. Navy Captain Tim Hawkins.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity to AFP, indicated that 10 American troops remain seriously injured.

According to the latest figures, an additional 13 U.S. service members have been killed since the conflict began, including seven in the Gulf region and six in Iraq.

Meanwhile, Iran’s armed forces warned on Friday that hotels hosting U.S. troops in the region could be considered legitimate military targets.

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“When U.S. forces enter a hotel, from our perspective that hotel becomes American,” said armed forces spokesperson Abolfazl Shekarchi in remarks broadcast on state television.