Pope Leo XIV appoints Iowa priest Rev. Thomas Hennen as the new bishop for the Diocese of Baker
Barney Lerten
(Adding video from tonight’s KTVZ News, full KTVZ+ recorded livestream of news conference)
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Reverend Thomas Hennen was introduced Thursday as the newly chosen bishop-elect of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Baker, which spans more than 66,000 square miles of Central and Eastern Oregon, succeeding retiring Bishop Liam Cary.
KTVZ News livestreamed the news conference (the full recording is above) from the Redmond offices of the diocese, at which both Cary and Hennen spoke to reporters and the assembled audience.
First, here’s the formal announcement from the diocese:
Pope Leo XIV Accepts Resignation of Bishop Liam Cary of the Diocese of Baker; Appoints Rev. Thomas Hennen as Successor
WASHINGTON – Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Liam Cary, 77, from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Baker, and has appointed Reverend Thomas Hennen, as Bishop-elect of Baker. Father Hennen is a priest of the Diocese of Davenport and currently serves as the diocese’s vicar general and rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport, Iowa. The resignation and appointment were publicized in Washington, D.C. on July 10, 2025, by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
The following biographical information for Bishop-elect Hennen was drawn from preliminary materials provided to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops:
Father Hennen was born July 4, 1978, in Ottumwa, Iowa. Bishop-elect Hennen pursued studies at Saint Ambrose University in Davenport. He also studied at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, and the Pontifical Gregorian University, earning a bachelor’s in sacred theology (2003). He received a licentiate of sacred theology (2005) from the Pontifical Alphonsian Academy in Rome. Father Hennen was ordained to the priesthood on July 10, 2004.
Bishop-elect Hennen’s assignments after ordination include: parochial vicar, Prince of Peace parish in Clinton (2005-2010); campus minister and parochial vicar, Newman Center and Saint Mary in Iowa City (2010-2011); chaplain and theology teacher at Assumption High School in Davenport (2014-2017).
He also served at Sacred Heart parish in Oxford Junction, Saint James parish in Toronto, Sacred Heart parish in Lost Nation and Saints Philip and James parish in Ground Mound (2015); chaplain and director of campus ministry at Saint Ambrose University in Davenport (2017-2021); parochial vicar at Saint Anthony parish in Davenport (2017-2018).
Since 2021, he has served as priest moderator of Saint Andrew parish in Blue Grass and rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport.
Bishop-elect Hennen’s additional responsibilities for the Diocese of Davenport have included: director of vocations (2011-2018); associate director of vocations (2018-2021); consultor and vicar general (2020-present). Bishop-elect Hennen speaks English, Spanish, and Italian.
The Diocese of Baker is comprised of 66,826 square miles in the State of Oregon and has a total population of 532,734, of which 33,356 are Catholic.
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In introducing and welcoming Hennen, Cary said, “It’s the law” of the church that a bishop submit their resignation to the pope when they turn 75. Cary said he did so three years ago and was told “‘we’ll send you someone to take your place.’ They didn’t say when. I enjoyed being bishop, so I was in no hurry.”
Hennen first told the audience: “I’m honored, I’m humbled — and to be honest, more than a little scared.” But he appeared more than ready to embrace his new role.
“The bad news is, you’re getting a rookie. I’ve got a lot to learn,” the 47-year-old said. “The good news is, you’re getting a rookie, so I know I’ve got a lot to learn. Please teach me!”
Bishop-Elect Hennen acknowledged he is is young for a bishop, saying “I’m comforted by the words of the Lord to the prophet Jeremiah, who protested that he was too young. ‘Do not say, I am too young to whomever I send you. You shall go. Whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid, for I am with you.’” Hennen punctuated his point by adding: “This, in fact, was the first reading at my priestly ordination 21 years ago.”
Hennen thanked Pope Leo for placing his trust in him, then congratulated Cary on his retirement but drew a laugh when he quickly added, “Please don’t go anywhere – I need you!
Hennen, the youngest of 11 children, smiled aplenty, but his voice trembled with emotion when he said his brother, Michael, died suddenly four years ago this month.
Asked by KTVZ News about his priorities, Hennen said first and foremost, he will be traveling around the large diocese and getting to know the people, and learn what their needs are.
“This diocese is larger than the whole state of Iowa,” Hennen said, so “I will have a lot of windshield time.”
Asked if he’d ever been to Oregon before, Hennen spoke of visiting as a “pretty little kid” who picked up a jellyfish on the coast – but didn’t get stung.
He also was asked about a recent decision by the Diocese of San Bernardino, California, which told members concerned about immigration raids they were waiving their obligation to attend Mass. But Hennen did not weigh in, saying his first priority was “getting through this press conference, and in the next few days and weeks,” dealing with “pastoral prorities.”
Hennen also told those on hand his hobbies include strategy board games and running, though he hasn’t done the latter since injuring himself in a Memorial Day event.
The announcement gathering ended with a prayer, and Cary said Hennen’s ordination will take place Sept. 18 at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Bend.