HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) – New Archbishop Christopher Coyne presided over his first mass at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph Sunday morning in Hartford. 

Archbishop Christopher Coyn became the sixth Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Hartford after Pope Francis approved the resignation of Archbishop Leonard Blair on May 1st. He will be the 14th Bishop to oversee the Ecclesiastical Province of Hartford, which includes Connecticut and Rhode Island. 

When asked about his aspirations for the role, the Most Reverend Coyn said, “My goal is to preach Lord Jesus Christ and the faith of the persevere in spreading the good news but also reaching out to those in need, promoting catholic schools and trying to find some way to use our building as a shelter.” 

The Archdiocese of Hartford serves nearly half a million Catholics in 115 parishes and 36 schools.