The Diocese of Providence is pleased to learn that the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has appointed Father James Ruggieri, a priest of the Diocese of Providence, as Bishop of Portland, Maine.
Most Rev. Richard G. Henning, Bishop of Providence, reflects on Bishop-Elect Ruggieri’s appointment saying, “In my brief time in Providence, I have come to appreciate and admire Father Ruggieri’s personal humility, authenticity, and remarkably fruitful priestly ministry. That ministry has wide-reaching effects upon the people and clergy of this diocese. For these reasons, among others, I see the wisdom of the Holy Father’s choice even as I feel the pang of the loss to us. I know that we will rejoice with Bishop James Ruggieri and send him to his new mission with our prayers and support.”
Bishop-Elect Ruggieri will officially succeed Bishop Robert P. Deeley, J.C.D., who has led the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland for 10 years, at his Mass of ordination and installation on May 7, 2024, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland, Maine, becoming the 13th Bishop of Portland. A native of Rhode Island, and alumnus of Providence College and Barrington schools, Bishop-Elect Ruggieri was ordained a priest in 1995 in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul.