New archbishop comes to Regina

A new archbishop is taking the reins of the Archdiocese in Regina.

On Friday, Don Bolen was named to the seat by Pope Francis. He will officially assume his role in the fall.

Before being appointed in Regina, Bolen was the Bishop of Saskatoon.

While he was in Saskatoon, Bolen became known for moving out of the bishop’s official residence and into a modest apartment in the city’s core.

Bolen said the move was partly inspired by the Pope.

“It was a decision shaped by Pope Francis and his summons to church leaders to embody the simplicity of the gospel.”

Bolen said the bishop’s official residence needed a lot of work to keep up.

“A large four-bed room house with four bathrooms; beautiful property and no time to deal with it. It’s just a lot easier to care for a small apartment,” he said.

Bolen also said since living on his own, he didn’t feel he needed a big home.

“When you’re one person, that’s really all you need. So I would say that was a good decision.”

Bolen said because of his busy schedule, he wasn’t able to spend as much time in neighbourhood as he would have liked.

On Monday, Bolen said he wasn’t sure where he’ll be taking up residence in Regina.

Bolen succeeds Archbishop Daniel J. Bohan, who died in office in January at the age of 74.