Coadjutor Bishop Richard G. Henning displays an inspiring message for the faithful by showing the Rhode Island state flag and its motto, "Hope," at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul in Providence Jan. 26, 2023, during the Mass of Reception welcoming him to the Providence Diocese. (OSV News photo/Laura Kilgus, Rhode Island Catholic)
by OSV News
Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Thomas J. Tobin of Providence, Rhode Island, and Coadjutor Bishop Richard G. Henning of Providence immediately succeeds him.
Tobin turned 75 April 1, the age when canon law requires bishops to submit their resignation to the pope. He had headed the statewide diocese since 2005. Francis named Henning, 58, as Providence’s coadjutor Nov. 23. Before that he was auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York.
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The changes were publicized in Washington May 1 by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
A Mass to welcome Henning to the diocese as coadjutor was celebrated Jan. 26 at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul in Providence. He began his homily by marveling at the magnificence of the cathedral, saying, "It's even more beautiful to see it filled with the people of God, offering praise and worship to our Creator and Savior."
