Statement of Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez on the Retirement of Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap. and the Appointment of Bishop Richard G. Henning as Archbishop-Designate of Boston

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Today, Catholics in the United States and around the world learned that the Holy Father has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, O.F.M, Cap., Archbishop of Boston, who celebrated his 80th birthday earlier this summer and had served five years beyond the typical retirement age for bishops.

Cardinal O’Malley shepherded the Church in Boston for 21 years with remarkable wisdom, creative vision, prayerfulness, and abiding love for the souls entrusted to his care. At the same time, he generously served the Universal Church as a member of the College of Cardinals, the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, and the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.  

The global Catholic Church has been richly blessed by Cardinal O’Malley’s many pastoral and administrative gifts animated by his Capuchin Franciscan charism. Together with the bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated religious, and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia I lift my voice and heart in prayerful Thanksgiving for Cardinal O’Malley’s selfless and inspiring work as a priest and bishop. All of us can benefit from his example of trust in the Lord’s will and service to those in need. May God grant him a peaceful, happy, and healthy retirement.

I also extend prayerful best wishes to Cardinal O’Malley’s successor, Archbishop-designate Richard G. Henning, as he prepares to depart the Diocese of Providence and begin a new phase of his episcopal ministry in service to the Archdiocese of Boston.

I remember Bishop Henning as a vibrant parish priest when I served as an Auxiliary Bishop in his home Diocese of Rockville Centre. His prayerful nature, intellectual gifts, and pastoral heart made a positive impression on me and on the parishioners he loved. Together, we pray that he will remain close to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide him as a successor to the Apostles.

Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D.
Archbishop of Philadelphia

Contact: Kenneth A. Gavin
Chief Communications Officer
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