PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The Diocese of Providence is inviting the community to a farewell Mass for Archbishop Richard Henning, who will be leaving Rhode Island to lead the Archdiocese of Boston at the end of the month. Henning, who succeeded Bishop Thomas Tobin as Bishop of Providence in 2023, was selected by Pope Francis in August to replace 80-year-old Cardinal Sean O'Malley as Archbishop of Boston. (Catholic priests and bishops are required to submit their resignation to the Vatican at age 75, but cannot retire without the Pope's approval.) BACKGROUND: Pope names Providence bishop to succeed O’Malley in Boston The Diocese of Providence explained that since Pope Francis has not yet appointed a new bishop to lead the diocese, a body of local priests called the "College of Consultors" will convene to elect one of their own as temporary Diocesan Administrator upon Henning's departure. "We have no timeline or way of knowing how long it will take or when the Pope will name the next Bishop—it’s entirely the Holy Father’s prerogative of who and when," a spokesperson for the diocese told 12 News. Henning's farewell Mass will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. It will be simultaneously livestreamed on the diocese's YouTube channel. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW