In a move marking a significant transition within the Catholic Church, Bishop Richard Henning has been appointed by Pope Francis as the next Archbishop of Boston, succeeding Cardinal Sean O'Malley. The outgoing Cardinal has guided the Archdiocese through challenging times, including the aftermath of a sexual abuse scandal that rocked the Church.
As CBS Boston reports, Henning, who has served as a bishop since 2018 and became the Bishop of Providence in 2023, expressed a mix of shock and gratitude upon hearing of his appointment. "Originally, it was just shock. But I had a little time to do some praying and to think a lot about it and I've really loved my time in Rhode Island, so that makes it a little bit of a mixed feeling today," he told CBS Boston. Henning is slated to be formally installed on October 31, 2024, at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston.
According to WCVB, Cardinal O'Malley, who has hit the milestone age of 80, has been mentioned for his progressive take on clergy retirement age, with Pope Francis dismissing the necessity to retire at 75. Henning, in his reaction to being named Archbishop, emphasized the importance of listening as a primary goal. "I think my first priority has to be to listen, you know. I don't think I should come in with the answers," Henning said to WCVB. His focus on evangelization aligns with priorities set by the Holy Father.
Meanwhile, NBC Boston highlights the astonishment among some Providence parishioners at the rapid elevation of Henning, who succeeded Thomas Tobin as the bishop of Providence shortly before his unexpected promotion to Archbishop of Boston. "It's very surprising, you know, but the Vatican, you know, has its ways," a local parishioner commented to NBC Boston. The Archdiocese of Boston is the fourth-largest in the U.S., and Henning is now poised to take on this considerable responsibility.
Cardinal O'Malley, praised for his attempts to enforce accountability within the church during his tenure, has welcomed his successor. "We extend our deep gratitude to the Holy Father for this appointment demonstrating his ongoing pastoral care for the people of the Archdiocese," O'Malley stated, according to NBC Boston. With O'Malley's forthcoming introduction of Henning in Braintree, a new chapter for the Archdiocese of Boston is set to begin, characterized by fresh leadership and continued faithfulness to the Greater Boston Catholic community.
