Pope accepts Tobin's resignation, Providence gets new bishop

Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, and as of 6 a.m. Monday, Tobin had been succeeded as bishop of Providence by the Most Rev. Richard G. Henning, the diocese announced.

As required under Catholic Church law, Tobin presented a letter of resignation to Francis upon reaching the age of 75 on April 1. Henning was appointed coadjutor bishop of Providence on Nov. 23 and automatically succeeded Tobin. He is the ninth bishop of Providence.

Tobin served as bishop for 18 years and at times drew criticism for his uncompromising stances on issues such as abortion and his willingness to speak out on Twitter.

More: New bishop appointed to succeed Bishop Tobin at helm of Diocese of Providence

Tobin reflects on tenure

Tobin issued a statement Monday morning that started with the following Bible passage: "I have fought the fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith." (2 Tim 4:7)

"It is with profound gratitude and personal peace that I have received word that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has accepted my request to resign from office, that is, to retire from the active ministry," Tobin said.

"You have been so good to me! Thank you to the priests, deacons, consecrated women and men, our diocesan staff, and all the faithful lay members of our church! Thank you for your patience and your prayers. Any good that we have been able to accomplish during the past 18 years is a result, first of all, of your faith, your generosity, and your hard work," Tobin said.

Henning also issued a statement, saying, "For the last several months, I have been visiting communities across this 'State of Hope.' My gratitude to God for this new ministry in the Diocese of Providence has only deepened as I have come to know its clergy, religious and people."

He thanked Francis and Tobin, saying Tobin's ministry offers me "a powerful witness of faith and a model of selfless service to the People of God."

Who is Bishop Henning?

Henning was appointed coadjutor bishop so he could get to know the diocese before succeeding Tobin. The Diocese of Providence encompasses the state of Rhode Island, which has a total population of 1,097,379, including 603,558 Catholics, according to the U.S. Conference of Bishops.

Before coming to Rhode Island, Henning was the auxiliary bishop for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York. The Diocese of Rockville Centre covers Long Island and has about 154 parishes for a population of more than 1.5 million Catholics.

Tobin came to Providence after serving as the bishop for the Diocese of Youngstown, Ohio. Before that, he was an auxiliary bishop in his native Pittsburgh. Despite living in New England, home of the Patriots, for nearly two decades, Tobin remained a loyal fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

A conservative who isn't afraid to speak his mind, Tobin took positions, often expressed on Twitter, that sometimes sparked outrage and drew national attention. He criticized Catholic politicians who support abortion rights, opposed efforts to legalize same-sex marriage in Rhode Island and tweeted in 2019 that Catholics should not attend LGBTQ Pride Month events.

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In his statement, Tobin wrote, "I urge all the members of the church to remain steadfast in your faith, to be proud of the good work you are doing, and to be determined to carry on the work that Jesus has entrusted to you. I will continue to pray fervently for you, especially for our wonderful new shepherd, my brother, Bishop Richard Henning ..."

He continued, "And please remember me and pray for me, as I begin a new chapter in my life as a disciple and priest of Our Lord, Jesus Christ."

Henning wrote, "Deeply aware of my need for mercy, I entrust myself and my ministry to the grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ. May God bless the Diocese of Providence and may we all live in the 'State of Hope!'"

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Henning succeeds Tobin as ninth bishop of Providence Diocese