Diocese of Providence to welcome Henning as coadjutor bishop

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Diocese of Providence will be welcoming the Most Rev. Richard Henning Thursday as coadjutor bishop of Providence.

A Solemn Holy Mass of Reception will be held in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul.

Archbishop Pierre, who represents Pope Francis, will offer some words of greeting and read an English translation of the Papal Bull — which is an official decree or letter from Pope Francis appointing Henning as coadjutor bishop of Providence.

The Diocese of Providence said Henning will then show the Papal Bull to Bishop Thomas Tobin and the College of Consultors, a group of appointed priests who collaborate closely with the bishop on administrative and pastoral matters. 

On Nov. 23, Pope Francis appointed Henning as coadjutor bishop of Providence.

He will have the right of succession after current Tobin, who turns 75 in April — which is the church’s mandatory retirement age.

Henning will assist Tobin until the pope accepts Tobin’s resignation.