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Cathedral Provost Alfred Rottler: New diocesan administrator in Eichstätt!
After Bishop Hanke's resignation, cathedral provost Alfred Rottler becomes diocesan administrator in Eichstätt until he is appointed bishop.
Cathedral Provost Alfred Rottler: New diocesan administrator in Eichstätt!
There is a lot going on in the diocese of Eichstätt. Last Pentecost Sunday, Bishop Gregor Maria Hanke announced his resignation at his own request. The 68-year-old, who was ordained the youngest bishop in the German Bishops' Council in 2006, is retiring after more than 15 years at the helm in favor of a successor. NN reports that the decision to initiate a reorganization within the diocese was not without controversy.
At the same time, Alfred Rottler, an experienced pastor, was elected as diocesan administrator. Rottler will now be responsible for the interim leadership of the diocese until a new bishop is appointed by the Pope. His election by the Eichstätter Cathedral Chapter took place on June 13th, just one week after the sedis vacancy began on June 8th, which corresponds to the requirements of canon law. The diocese of Eichstätt explains that the diocesan administrator has almost the same rights and obligations as an incumbent bishop, but cannot make any far-reaching decisions that change the structure.
Alfred Rottler: The new man at the top
Alfred Rottler already has an ambitious career behind him. Ordained a priest in 1983, he was active in various pastoral positions and in 2009 took over the management of the main pastoral care department in the Episcopal Ordinariate. In 2010 he was appointed cathedral chapter, and in 2019 he was promoted to cathedral provost. Rottler not only brings experience to his new role, but also a big heart for the needs of the community. NN highlights, that as diocesan administrator he is also not allowed to appoint new pastors, which limits his tasks to administration and ensuring continuity.
A difficult farewell and challenges
Gregor Maria Hanke's resignation announcement comes as no surprise. He has faced criticism for years, including over a massive financial scandal in the diocese. Despite his efforts to promote environmental sustainability and launch a transparency campaign, expectations of his administration were not always met. Katholisch.de reports about the complex problems that Hanke had to overcome during his time in office.
The question of Hanke’s successor remains current and will continue to shape the coming months. Until a new bishop is appointed, Rottler will be responsible for restoring trust in the diocese and continuing current processes. He is supported by the newly appointed permanent representative, Michael Alberter. As a former vicar general, Alberter also brings a lot of experience with him. The diocese states, that although the election of a new bishop is still pending, preparations are already underway.
It will be exciting to see how the situation in the Diocese of Eichstätt develops and what steps Rottler and Alberter take together to meet the challenges of the coming period.