(ZENIT News / Boston, 08.06.2024).- Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, the long-serving Archbishop of Boston, and appointed Bishop Richard G. Henning of Providence, Rhode Island, as his successor. This change, anticipated for months, was officially announced in Washington on August 5 by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States.
Cardinal O’Malley, who turned 80 on June 29, will continue to serve as Archbishop until October 31, when Archbishop Henning, 59, will be formally installed. According to church protocol established by Pope Paul VI, bishops must submit their resignation at 75, though the Pope may choose to delay acceptance. Cardinals, however, are expected to step down from active roles and lose their Vatican appointments at 80, including the right to participate in papal conclaves.
Cardinal O’Malley, who has led the Boston Archdiocese since 2003, will maintain his position as head of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, a role he has held since 2014, until further notice.
In a heartfelt statement, Cardinal O’Malley expressed gratitude for the Pope’s decision, welcoming Archbishop Henning on behalf of the archdiocese’s clergy and laity. «We deeply appreciate the Holy Father’s pastoral care for the people of the Archdiocese of Boston,» O’Malley said, praising Henning’s pastoral heart and commitment to serving Christ and the Church. He urged the faithful to pray for Henning as he prepares for this transition, assuring them of his continued prayers.
Archbishop Henning expressed humility and gratitude in his response, thanking Pope Francis for the trust placed in him. He acknowledged the challenging legacy of his predecessor and called for the prayers of the Boston community as he steps into his new role. «I receive this appointment with confidence in Divine Providence,» Henning said, promising to honor the traditions and people of the Archdiocese.
The announcement was followed by a joint morning Mass and press conference at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center. Reflecting on his tenure, Cardinal O’Malley acknowledged the church’s difficult times, including the painful period of addressing sexual abuse within the clergy. Despite these challenges, he remains hopeful for the future, describing Henning as a beacon of hope for the community.
Henning, who takes over at a critical time for the Church, emphasized his commitment to listening and learning from the Boston faithful before setting his priorities. He acknowledged the enduring pain of the abuse crisis, pledging a compassionate and attentive approach to survivors.
Bishop Henning’s path to this prominent role has been marked by dedicated service and academic excellence. Born in Rockville Centre, New York, he was ordained a priest in 1992 after completing his theological studies. He served in pastoral roles and pursued advanced studies in biblical theology, earning a doctorate from the University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. His academic career includes a decade of teaching Scripture at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, New York.
In 2018, Pope Francis appointed him Auxiliary Bishop of Rockville Centre, where he managed various diocesan responsibilities. His appointment as coadjutor bishop of Providence in 2022 positioned him for his brief but impactful tenure before his new appointment to Boston.
As he prepares to leave Providence, Archbishop Henning expressed deep sorrow for departing but immense gratitude for the community’s support and faith. He vowed to continue praying for them and asked for their prayers in return as he undertakes his new responsibilities in Boston.
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