Pope Francis approves Bishop Tobin’s retirement

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Diocese of Providence said Monday that Pope Francis accepted the retirement of Bishop Thomas Tobin after over 20 years.

Under canon law, Tobin presented a letter of resignation to Francis upon turning 75 last month.

Tobin was ordained as a priest in 1992.

Bishop Thomas Tobin (left) and Bishop Richard Henning (right) are seen at a news conference, Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022. (WLNE)

Bishop Richard Henning, who was appointed in November, will succeed as the 9th Bishop of Providence.

The change was effective Monday and publicized in Washington, D.C. by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.