New Leadership in Boston's Roman Catholic Church

Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Richard Henning to succeed the retiring Cardinal Sean O'Malley as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church in Boston. Henning, originally from New York, had led the Church in Providence, Rhode Island, since last summer. The installation is set for Oct. 31.

Pope Francis has named Bishop Richard Henning as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church in Boston, replacing the retiring Cardinal Sean O'Malley. Henning, aged 59 and originating from New York, previously led the Church in Providence, Rhode Island.

He will officially take over the role on Oct. 31, with the Boston archdiocese set to provide further details in a Monday press conference. Henning was first appointed by Francis as an auxiliary bishop in New York in 2018 and became the bishop of Providence in 2023.

Cardinal O'Malley, who turned 80 in June and significantly influenced by Pope Francis, had led the Boston archdiocese since 2003. His leadership included heading the Vatican's first official commission on clergy sexual abuse.