Bishop Henning introduced as Archbishop of Boston

(WJAR) — The Diocese of Providence announced on Monday that Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Richard Henning as the next Archbishop of Boston.

The Archbishop-elect was introduced on Monday morning in Braintree, Massachusetts.

Rev. Henning will be the tenth bishop and seventh Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Boston.

Speaking to NBC 10 on Monday morning Rev. Henning said he had a lot of emotions.

“I have a lot of emotions, and one of them is a sense of loss. To leave this wonderful state and this great Diocese. It’s been a really extraordinary year and a half for me,” Henning said. “I will miss Rhode Island and Providence.”

“And obviously I have a sense of anticipation, there is a whole new mission ahead for me,” he said. “I’m grateful to God. “

Henning concelebrated a Mass on Monday morning with Cardinal Sean O’Malley before being introduced.

O’Malley introduced him to the media on Monday morning.

Henning again reiterated how sad it was to leave Rhode Island, but he could not say no to the Pope’s request, but he was caught by surprise.

As for Boston, he believes he needs to listen first.

Pope Francis appointed Henning to take over when Bishop Thomas Tobin retired last year.

Henning is now replacing Cardinal Sean O Malley, who has been Archbishop of Boston since 2003

He previously served as the Bishop of the Fall River Diocese

O’Malley is known for leading the church through the sexual abuse scandal

Henning will stay in Providence until his installation in Boston on October 31st