Pope Leo XIV has appointed Father Thomas Hennen, a veteran priest and Church leader from Iowa, as the new bishop of the Diocese of Baker in eastern Oregon.

Hennen, who currently serves in a top leadership role in the Diocese of Davenport, will replace Bishop Liam Cary, who has led the Oregon diocese since 2012 and will soon turn 78, Catholic News Agency reported.

The Vatican announced the appointment amid the approaching retirement of Bishop Cary, who has served the largely rural eastern Oregon diocese for more than a decade. The Diocese of Baker spans more than 66,000 square miles and includes 57 parishes and missions serving about 12,500 Catholic households.

Eastern Oregon diocese receives new leadership

Fr. Thomas Hennen is 47 and has been a priest for more than 20 years. He celebrated his 21st anniversary of ordination on July 10. Born in Ottumwa, Iowa, in 1978, he first felt a call to the priesthood during elementary school.

He entered the seminary at Saint Ambrose University in Davenport and later studied in Rome at the Pontifical North American College. He earned degrees from both the Pontifical Gregorian University and the Pontifical Alphonsian Academy, including a licentiate in sacred theology in 2005.

Since 2021, Hennen has served as rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport. In addition to his current role, he also holds the position of vicar general, one of the highest offices in the diocese under the bishop.

A wide range of pastoral experience

Over more than two decades in ministry, Fr. Hennen has served in diverse roles, from parish ministry to Catholic education. He has worked as a parochial vicar, high school and college chaplain, campus minister, and teacher of theology.

He also previously worked as vocations director in the Diocese of Davenport, helping to guide young men exploring the priesthood. His pastoral sensitivity is well-regarded, especially in his outreach work with people experiencing same-sex attraction.

Hennen served as chaplain and diocesan coordinator for the local Courage International chapter, which supports individuals seeking to live celibate lives under Catholic teaching. He has over 10 years of experience in this area.

Prominent voice in Church engagement efforts

Fr. Hennen played a significant role in the Synod on Synodality in his diocese, leading local efforts for nearly four years. The global Church initiative is aimed at encouraging open dialogue, deep listening, and renewed missionary focus.

In a 2021 homily, Hennen described the synod process as being about “how we go about listening to each other” and understanding how the Church can carry out its mission in today’s world. He emphasized the importance of communication and embodying the values of faith.

In multiple assignments, Hennen has worked to deepen parish life while remaining accessible to the faithful. His fluency in Spanish and Italian has enhanced his ability to minister widely, especially in diverse Catholic communities.

From Davenport to the Pacific Northwest

The Diocese of Baker presents new challenges and opportunities for Bishop-designate Hennen. The diocese’s offices moved to Bend in 1987, though the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales remains in Baker City, over 200 miles away.

The region’s vast geography and relatively small Catholic population stand in contrast to his current assignment in Iowa. However, his pastoral background and leadership roles suggest a readiness to guide the diocese into the future.

In interviews, Fr. Hennen has expressed a range of interests beyond his clerical duties. In a 2009 interview, he mentioned enjoying reading, playing strategy board games, and playing both the tin whistle and violin.

Preparing to succeed a longtime shepherd

Bishop Liam Cary, who will turn 78 in August, has served nearly three years past the standard retirement age for Catholic bishops. His retirement opens the way for a new chapter in the Baker Diocese under Hennen’s stewardship.

Hennen’s combination of academic training, pastoral outreach, and administrative experience positions him to lead the mission diocese as it continues to navigate the spiritual and logistical needs of a widely dispersed Catholic population.

With deep roots in Iowa and theological formation in Rome, Fr. Thomas Hennen’s new role marks a significant step in a lifelong devotion to the Church. His official date of installation in the Diocese of Baker has not yet been announced.