Fr. Thomas Hennen by Sacred Heart Cathedral, Diocese of Davenport
Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Liam Cary, who has led the Diocese of Baker, Oregon, since 2012, and appointed Father Thomas Hennen of Iowa as his successor.
The Vatican made the announcement July 10 through Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the US, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops reported.
Bishop Cary, who turned 77 earlier this year, submitted his resignation in accordance with canon law, which requires bishops to do so at age 75.
Born in Portland and raised in Prineville, Oregon, Bishop Cary was ordained a priest in 1992 for the Archdiocese of Portland after studies at the Pontifical North American College and the Gregorian University in Rome. He served in several parish assignments across western Oregon, including in Salem, Medford, and Eugene. Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Bishop of Baker in 2012.
Bishop-elect Hennen currently serves as vicar general and rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral in the Diocese of Davenport, Iowa. Ordained in 2004, he has served in a variety of pastoral, educational, and administrative roles throughout his priesthood.
A native of Ottumwa, Iowa, Hennen studied at Saint Ambrose University and completed his seminary formation in Rome, where he earned degrees in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University and the Alphonsian Academy.
Over the years, Hennen has served in parishes across the Diocese of Davenport and held key diocesan leadership positions, including as vocations director and campus minister at Saint Ambrose University. He has also been involved in Catholic education, teaching theology and providing spiritual guidance in both high school and college settings.
For more than a decade, Bishop-elect Hennen has been involved with Courage International, a Catholic apostolate offering spiritual support to individuals who experience same-sex attraction. He has served as both diocesan coordinator and chaplain for the local chapter in the Diocese of Davenport.
According to the Courage International website, the apostolate calls its members to live out five main goals, which include living chaste lives according to the Catholic Church’s teachings on homosexuality; dedicating one’s entire life to Christ especially through regular Mass attendance, prayer, and the sacrament of Reconciliation; fostering a spirit of fellowship and support; encouraging one another in friendships; and living lives that offer good examples for others.
This article was updated at 12:31 p.m. ET July 11.
