Just days after his installation as archbishop of New York, Archbishop Ronald Hicks made a national television appearance Feb. 17 that turned into a moment of spontaneous prayer for the family of “Today” show co-hostess Savannah Guthrie.
Archbishop Hicks appeared on NBC’s “Today” to discuss his new role guiding roughly 2 million Catholics in the nation’s largest archdiocese.
During the segment, the conversation shifted to Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing since Feb. 1 following an apparent abduction from her home outside Tucson, Arizona. Authorities continue to investigate the disappearance.
“Our dear friend Savannah’s mom has been lost for a couple of weeks. Lots of people are struggling,” co-hostess Hoda Kotb said, turning to the archbishop.
Archbishop Hicks responded that the situation was “heartbreaking” and said he wanted to offer not only his own prayers but the support of the wider Catholic community.
“As the new archbishop here, it’s just, like everyone, it’s heartbreaking, it’s hard to watch,” he said. “I want to extend my absolute support and especially my prayers. And not only my own prayers, but she has a community of people who’s praying for her and for her mom and for the entire family.”
Co-host Craig Melvin then asked whether Archbishop Hicks would lead a brief prayer on air.
“Archbishop, we don’t have a lot of time, and the Spirit’s actually just moved me. Could you lead us in a brief prayer? Just 30 seconds,” Melvin said.
Archbishop Hicks agreed and bowed his head.
“Let’s just take a moment to put ourselves in the presence of God and ask God with His light and His grace and His mercy and His goodness, just be with Savannah, with this entire situation, be with her mom,” he prayed. “Bring hope, peace, some resolution to all of this, and let her know of the great love and support and prayers that surround her. In Your Name, we ask, Amen.”
New York Archbishop Ronald Hicks concluded his appearance on the Today show with a prayer, asking God to bring light, grace, and mercy to console Savannah Guthrie and her family amid the anxiety surrounding her mother’s kidnapping. pic.twitter.com/GN6iOagbNm
— CatholicVote (@CatholicVote) February 17, 2026
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the predecessor of the new archbishop, also offered prayers for the Guthries during a Feb. 4 appearance on Fox & Friends and encouraged viewers to respond to the situation with hope, as Zeale News previously reported.
“There’s some trauma, there’s some difficulties, some crises that can either lead you to desperation — or that can lead you to hope,” the cardinal said. “Turn it over to the Lord. Please do that.”