Eichstätt says goodbye to Bishop Hanke: a man of the bridges builds

Eichstätt says goodbye to Bishop Hanke: a man of the bridges builds

Eichstätt, Deutschland - The Bavarian parish has experienced a significant change. On July 6, 2025, Gregor Maria Hanke said goodbye to Eichstätt, the oldest servant of Eichstätt after more than 18 years. In a festival service in the Eichstätter Cathedral, where around 500 believers had gathered, Hanke thanked the community members and encouraged them to be open to "the knocking signs of God in life". The farewell fell on Pentecost Sunday and took place in a simple form on Hanke's own wish, without much sensation and trara.

Dompropst Alfred Rottler praised Hanke as a "bridge builder between church and society" and emphasized his spirituality and his theological depth. Hanke, who was often referred to in public as a "green bishop", was particularly striving for environmental protection and democracy. When he said goodbye, he addressed the challenges of time and called on the faithful to make Jesus' path present. During the farewell in the cathedral, Hanke cited a Bible quotation about humility and service.

memories and plans

Hanke had surprisingly announced the resignation at Pentecost. Shortly before, he had serious complications after routine operation and was forced to take a six weeks long break. He stated that an "inner fatigue" was the reason for his resignation. In autumn he will move to Augsburg into the Allgäu, where he wants to work as a simple father - 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 the Father-Philipp-Jingen-Platz. Hanke will be remembered in the region for his commitment to pastoral care and his social responsibility.

succession plan in the diocese of Eichstätt

Alfred Rottler temporarily takes over the management of the diocese of Eichstätt until a new bishop is appointed by Pope Leo XIV. The cathedral chapter has already worked with ecclesiastical lay groups to create a list of candidates that is forwarded to the Vatican via the papal ambassador. However, the time of the appointment of the new bishop remains uncertain. The new service oldest bishop in Bavaria is now Cardinal Reinhard Marx, who has been Archbishop of Munich and Freising since 2008.

The processing of the sexual abuse of children and adolescents remains a central topic that still needs to be addressed urgently, 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 the path of change.

Further information about Bishop Hanke's resignation can be found on Süddeutsche.de and Katholisch.de read. The current situation of the bishops is also treated on Vaticannews