Pope Leo XIV accepts the resignation of Hamburg's Auxiliary Bishop Eberlein

Pope Leo XIV accepts the resignation of Hamburg's Auxiliary Bishop Eberlein

On October 25, 2025, Pope Leo XIV accepted the age-related resignation of Auxiliary Bishop Horst Eberlein. Eberlein turned 75 that day, which is the age limit for bishops, which is why he had already offered his resignation to the Holy See. This information was announced by the Holy See at 12 p.m vaticannews reported.

On Thursday, the day before the official acceptance of the resignation, Eberlein and Archbishop Stefan Heße received a private audience with the Pope. In this audience, Archbishop Heße thanked Eberlein for his eight and a half years in office and praised his optimistic attitude and his warm-hearted manner in dealing with people, both in good and difficult times. EWTN emphasizes that Eberlein is considered a bridge builder between East and West within the archdiocese.

Horst Eberlein's life

Horst Eberlein was born in Walsleben in the Altmark. He comes from a displaced family from East Prussia and grew up in Mecklenburg. From 1965 he attended the Episcopal Pre-Seminary in Schöneiche near Berlin, followed by the Erfurt Seminary. He was ordained a priest in 1977 and initially worked in the Episcopal Office of Schwerin, which was transferred to the Archdiocese of Hamburg after the fall of the Wall. In 2017, Pope Francis appointed him auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Hamburg, where he supported Archbishop Heße. Catholic.de reports that the diocese includes around 340,000 Catholics.

Eberlein looks back on a distinguished career during which he served as both chaplain and pastor in various places. In 2009 he became provost at the provost church of St. Anna in Schwerin. He has served as a listener and companion to many believers and is perceived by his colleagues as extremely approachable.

The path to retirement

In his new phase of life, Eberlein would like to spend more relaxed times where there is more space for nature and family. He has already announced that he would also like to go fishing. The church meant a lot to him as a place of community in the former GDR, and he always described these experiences as formative.

Archbishop Heße will continue to actively shape the transition period until a new auxiliary bishop is appointed. He will also initiate an approval process with the Holy See and has already received suggestions from various people in the diocese. EWTN reports that Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Eberlein will also be available to provide confirmation in the parishes during this time.

A festive service to say goodbye to Auxiliary Bishop Eberlein will take place on October 31, 2025 at 6:15 p.m. in St. Mary's Cathedral. There, believers can both show their gratitude and send their best wishes for his new phase of life.