New diocesan administrator Alfred Rottler heads Diocese of Eichstätt!

New diocesan administrator Alfred Rottler heads Diocese of Eichstätt!

in the diocese of Eichstätt has resulted in a new situation after Bishop Gregor Maria Hanke's resignation. On Friday, the Eichstätter cathedral chapter Alfred Rottler chose the new diocesan administrator, which is headed by the diocese during the continuous Sedis vacancy. Rottler, who was ordained a priest in 1983 and has been working as a cathedral priest and president of the Diocesan Caritas Association since 2019, will conduct the fortunes of the diocese until a new bishop was appointed. The 68-year-old has similar rights and obligations in this role, but may not make any fundamental structural or pastoral decisions that affect the future bishop, as [katholisch.de] (https://www.katholisch.de/artikel/62342-bistum-eichststaett-einen-dioezesan administrator) reports.

After Bishop Hanke entered early at Pentecost at Pentecost at his own request, the diocese has abruptly went into a transition phase. Hanke, who has been responsible for management for over 30 years, explained his decision as a result of a spiritual struggle. As a "simple Father Gregor", he wanted to return to pastoral care and accompany people directly in their faith. The challenges, such as dealing with cases of sexual abuse, which are still a big topic in the church were particularly stressful for him. The resignation was accepted by Pope Francis "Nunc Pro Tunc", which means that a specific time for the withdrawal is still a long time coming. Hanke regrets if he could not fulfill expectations and now wants to be active in a pastoral room outside the diocese, as Augsburg General reports.

Alfred Rottler as a diocesan administrator

Rottler is supported by Domkapitular Michael Alberter, who also plays an important role in the transition period. Alberter, who most recently worked as a Vicar General under Bishop Hanke, takes over the management of the episcopal ordinary. The Sedisvacanz also has an impact on Alberter's office hours, since he is no longer Vicar General. In this new role, he will act as a permanent representative of the diocesan administrator and thus brings a breath of fresh air to the internal management of the diocese. The diocesan administrator has a central task: it manages the diocese and can continue as long as it does not result in significant changes, but he has to avoid basic directional decisions in order not to restrict the power of the future bishop. This is an important regulation that is anchored in canon law, as wikipedia explains.

The official farewell of Gregor Maria Hanke will take place on July 6th as part of a festive service. Until then, the cathedral chapter will participate in preparing the appointment of a new bishop. The situation now created offers the opportunity to re -host diocesan pastoral care and to adapt to the challenges of the future. Alfred Rottler and Michael Alberter will ensure that the diocese will remain in calm waters in the coming time, while the course is set for the future.