Pope Leo XIV appoints Rev. Thomas Hennen as bishop of the Diocese of Baker — youngest bishop to lead a U.S. diocese

paulette275
Jul 22
2 min read

“It’s more important that I’m baptized

than I am your bishop because that’s

the relationship we build on.”

Pope Leo XIV has appointed the Rev. Thomas Hennen of the Diocese of Davenport, Iowa, bishop-designate of the Diocese of Baker in Oregon. Hennen succeeds Bishop Liam Cary, who has resigned at age 75.

At age 47, Hennen will be the youngest bishop to lead a U.S. diocese. He was ordained to the priesthood July 10, 2004. He has served in the Diocese of Davenport, Iowa, his entire priesthood.

On Sept. 18, Hennen will be installed as bishop in Bend at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and begin his assignment on Sept. 29 in Redmond, location of the diocesan offices. The diocesan cathedral, St. Francis de Sales, is located in Baker City, a four-hour drive from Redmond. The Baker diocese serves 35,000 Catholics in 36 parishes and 21 missions in a geographic area larger than Hennen’s home state of Iowa.

Hennen was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, the youngest of 11 children. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history and philosophy from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, a baccalaureate in sacred theology from the Pontifical Gregoriana University in Rome and a licentiate in sacred theology (STL) at Alphonsianum in Rome.

Hennen said that he was surprised he was being considered for the assignment. When he learned that Pope Leo had selected him, his said, "I'm too young." Then he remembered that he had the same concern before his 2004 ordination.

Briefly commenting on his previous ministries, Hennen spoke of the joys of counseling teenagers and young adults, directing vocations, teaching in high school and at his alma mater, and serving as a pastor. He grew emotional as he spoke about leaving Sacred Heart Cathedral and all the people of Davenport.

Archbishop Alexander Sample of the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon said he was grateful for the appointment of “this experienced and well-prepared shepherd” and that he looked forward to working side-by-side with Hennen “for many years to come.”

Asked about his priorities as bishop of Baker, Hennen said he wanted to speak first with many people in the diocese before he made those decisions. But, he did add: “To grow the kingdom of God in Central and Eastern Oregon.”

Photo courtesy of Diocese of Davenport

Priestly Service Years 2000 - 2025

Parochial vicar, Jesus Christ Prince of Peace, Clinton

Campus minister, Newman Catholic Student Center, Iowa City

Parochial vicar, St. Mary of the Visitation, Iowa City

Director of Vocations

Chaplain, Assumption High School, Davenport

Theology teacher, Assumption High School, Davenport

Chaplain and director of campus ministry, St. Ambrose University, Davenport

Associate Director of Vocations

Diocesan Consultor, College of Consultors

Vicar General, Diocese of Davenport