Prominent Ex-CT Catholic Church Archbishop Mourned Tuesday

GREATER HARTFORD, CT — The Archdiocese of Hartford announced Tuesday that Henry J. Mansell, the fourth Archbishop of Hartford, died Tuesday morning, April 21, at age 88.

“The Most Reverend Henry J. Mansell, Fourth Archbishop of Hartford, died this morning, April 21, 2026, at the age of 88,” the archdiocese said in a statement. “Further information, including funeral arrangements, will follow.”

Mansell led the Hartford archdiocese from 2003 to 2013, following his tenure as the 12th bishop of Buffalo from 1995 to 2003. He was appointed to both roles by Pope John Paul II.

The Archdiocese of Hartford serves parishes in Hartford, Litchfield, and New Haven counties.

During his time in Hartford, Mansell was known for his advocacy of Catholic education and for overseeing funding reforms affecting diocesan schools.

Born in 1937, Mansell attended SS. Peter and Paul School in the Bronx and the Cathedral Preparatory Seminary in New York City.

He earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph Seminary in Yonkers in 1959 and later studied in Rome at the North American College and the Gregorian University, where he received a licentiate in sacred theology in 1963.

He also completed postgraduate work at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Ordained a priest on Dec. 19, 1962, in Rome, Mansell served in parishes across New York City and Westchester County.

He later held several administrative roles, including director of the Office of Parish Councils beginning in 1972, vice chancellor in 1985, and chancellor of the Archdiocese of New York.

In 1992, Pope John Paul II appointed him auxiliary bishop of New York.

He was ordained a bishop on Jan. 6, 1993, in Rome and installed as bishop of Buffalo in 1995 before his transfer to Hartford in 2003.

The archdiocese said additional details about funeral arrangements will be announced.