Diocese of Eichstätt after resignation: New leadership in the focus of the church

Diocese of Eichstätt after resignation: New leadership in the focus of the church

Eichstätt, Deutschland - A remarkable change is imminent in the Catholic diocese of Eichstätt. On Pentecost Sunday, when the good news illuminates everyday life, Bishop Gregor Maria Hanke announced his resignation. This happened with the approval of Pope Francis, who agreed to resign shortly before his death. Hanke, who lies below the age limit for bishops at the age of 70, justifies his resignation with "inner fatigue" and a longer spiritual struggle. He plans to return to pastoral care and to act as a simple Father Gregor in the future. He has already stored the episcopal insignia, including mitra and chest cross. This is reported by the Welt .

The situation in the diocese is tense. Hanke's resignation takes place against the background of various scandals that have accompanied the diocese in recent years. In particular, severe abuse cases and a serious financial affair that came to light in 2018 caused a sensation. The estimated damage of over $ 45 million shows deeply. Charges against Plusieurs involved were the result of this affair. Hanke expressed his regret and asked for forgiveness for unspecified expectations and injuries that have arisen, the FAZ .

new tour for the diocese

Since the diocese of Eichstätt is now without a bishop, a diocesan administrator is chosen at short notice. The members of the cathedral chapter are asked to make this decision to take over the provisional management until Pope Leo XIV appoints a new bishop. It remains to be seen how the new leadership will tackle the challenges in the diocese. The diocesan administrator will largely have the same rights as an incumbent bishop, but fundamental changes are prohibited. The return of Bishop Hanke to pastoral care is also looked forward to tension, since he is considered a conservative and reform -critical bishop.

The Catholic Women's Community of Germany (KFD) also spoke out in this context. It demands a clear responsibility of the bishops in the abuse scandal and emphasizes that deeds count more than words. Mechthild Heil, the KFD chairman, calls for an honest examination of the mistakes and failures of the past and suggested that bishops also think about lying down their positions without criminal guilt. This requirement shows that the topic of abuse continues to be very busy and that reforms are urgently necessary, such as the Katholisch.de .

a quiet farewell

On July 6th, Hanke's official farewell will take place at a Vesper, where he wants a simple farewell, given the difficult situation in the church. He has announced that he no longer bears episcopal insignia, unless his successor would do this. The church faces important decisions, and the coming weeks will show how to deal with the challenges and whether a fresh start in the diocese.