Archbishop Richard Henning , Who is Richard Henning? Bishop Richard Henning named new Archbishop of Boston, replacing Cardinal Sean O’Malley
Archbishop Richard Henning , Who is Richard Henning? Bishop Richard Henning named new Archbishop of Boston, replacing Cardinal Sean O’Malley
Background and Education
– **Birth and Early Life**: Richard G. Henning was born in October 1964 in Rockville Centre, Long Island, New York, as the first of five siblings.
– **Education**: He earned a Bachelor’s degree and a Master of Arts in History from St. John’s University in Queens, New York. He completed his ecclesiastical studies at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington.
Priesthood and Early Career
– **Ordination**: Henning was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Rockville Centre on May 30, 1992. Following his ordination, he served as the parish vicar at St. Peter of Alcantara in Port Washington until 1997.
– **Advanced Studies**: He obtained a licentiate in biblical theology from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., in 2000 and later earned a doctorate in biblical theology from the University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome in 2007.
– **Language Proficiency**: Henning is fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian, and can read French, Greek, and Hebrew. He mentioned he is also learning Portuguese.
Episcopal Career
– **Auxiliary Bishop**: On June 8, 2018, he was appointed as the titular bishop of Tabla and auxiliary bishop of Rockville Centre.
– **Coadjutor Bishop**: Henning was appointed coadjutor bishop of Providence on November 23, 2022, and took over governance of the diocese on May 1, 2023.
Appointment as Archbishop of Boston
– **Transition**: On August 5, 2024, it was announced that Henning would succeed Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley as the Archbishop of Boston, effective October 31, 2024. O’Malley has led the archdiocese for over 20 years, navigating through significant challenges, including the priest sexual abuse scandal.
– **Press Conference Remarks**: During a press conference, O’Malley expressed confidence in Henning’s pastoral heart and his ability to connect with the large Hispanic Catholic community due to his fluency in Spanish. Henning himself expressed surprise at the appointment, stating, “I am not worthy of this call,” and emphasized his trust in God.
Views and Approach
– **Alignment with Pope Francis**: Henning has indicated that his beliefs align closely with those of Pope Francis, particularly in fostering dialogue and understanding within the church. He has expressed a willingness to listen to those affected by the sexual abuse scandals, acknowledging the pain and hurt experienced by many.
– **Pro-Life Stance**: While he identifies as pro-life, Henning has stated that he is open to dialogue on sensitive issues, reflecting a more inclusive approach compared to his predecessor, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin.
Richard Henning’s appointment as Archbishop of Boston marks a new chapter for the archdiocese, bringing a fresh perspective and a commitment to pastoral care. His background, education, and approach to leadership suggest he will prioritize healing and engagement within the community.
