Cardinal Sean O'Malley Retires as Archbishop of Boston

Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Sean O'Malley, who has served as the Archbishop of Boston for over two decades, effective upon his retirement at age 80. O'Malley, known for his advocacy for victims of clerical sexual abuse and for fostering healing in the archdiocese post-scandal, will be succeeded by Bishop Richard Henning of Providence. Henning, who has been the bishop of Providence since 2023, will take on a metropolitan role with authority over Boston and surrounding dioceses. O'Malley's tenure was marked by significant reforms in safeguarding policies following the clerical abuse crisis, and he was a close advisor to Pope Francis, even participating in the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. The Vatican is expected to formally announce the transition soon, with reflections on O'Malley's impactful leadership already emerging from the community. Henning's appointment is seen as part of a trend towards more engaged and outreach-focused bishops in line with Pope Francis's vision.