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Eichstätt says goodbye to Bishop Hanke: a man who builds bridges
Gregor Maria Hanke says goodbye as Bishop of Eichstätt after 18 years. The farewell took place in the cathedral, new management uncertain.
Eichstätt says goodbye to Bishop Hanke: a man who builds bridges
The Bavarian church community has experienced significant change. On July 6, 2025, Gregor Maria Hanke said goodbye after more than 18 years as the longest-serving bishop of Eichstätt. In a celebratory service in Eichstätter Cathedral, where around 500 believers had gathered, Hanke thanked the parishioners and encouraged them to be open to “God's knocking signs in their lives”. The farewell fell on Whitsunday and, at Hanke's own request, took place in a simple manner, without much fanfare or fanfare.
Cathedral provost Alfred Rottler praised Hanke as a “bridge builder between church and society” and emphasized his spirituality and theological depth. Hanke, who was often referred to in public as the “green bishop,” was particularly concerned about environmental protection and democracy. When he said goodbye, he addressed the challenges of the time and called on believers to make Jesus' path present. During the farewell in the cathedral, Hanke quoted a Bible quote about humility and service.
Memories and plans
Hanke surprisingly announced his resignation at Pentecost. He had recently suffered serious complications following routine surgery and was forced to take a six-week break. He stated that “internal fatigue” was the reason for his resignation. In the fall he will move to Augsburg in the Allgäu, where he would like to work as a simple priest - without naming a specific goal.
After the service, many believers took the time to personally say goodbye to Hanke. These warm encounters took place on Pater-Philipp-Jeningen-Platz. Hanke will be remembered in the region for his commitment to pastoral care and his social responsibility.
Succession planning in the diocese of Eichstätt
Alfred Rottler temporarily takes over the leadership of the diocese of Eichstätt until a new bishop is appointed by Pope Leo XIV. The cathedral chapter has already worked with lay church groups to create a list of candidates that will be forwarded to the Vatican via the papal ambassador. However, the timing of the appointment of the new bishop remains uncertain. The new longest-serving bishop in Bavaria is now Cardinal Reinhard Marx, who has been Archbishop of Munich and Freising since 2008.
Amid these changes, the German bishops face further challenges. Starting on Monday, they will discuss current developments in the church, which are also influenced by the political situation and the last federal election, at a general assembly in the Steinfeld monastery in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Addressing the sexual abuse of children and young people remains a central issue that still needs to be urgently addressed, and there are different opinions about the reform process within the church. The results of the World Synod, which ended in Rome in October, are also discussed, and so the community remains dependent on itself on the path of change.
Further information about Bishop Hanke's resignation can be found at Süddeutsche.de and Catholic.de read up. The current situation of the bishops is also highlighted Vaticannews treated.