New diocesan administrator chosen after the resignation of Bishop Hanke!

New diocesan administrator chosen after the resignation of Bishop Hanke!

Eichstätt, Deutschland - In the diocese of Eichstätt, Bishop Gregor Maria Hanke submitted his resignation, which was announced on Pentecost Sunday. The resignation took place at his own request, since Hanke speaks of "inner fatigue", which made it difficult for him to practice his office. Pope Francis had agreed to resign shortly before his death. Hanke plans to work as a "simple Father Gregor" in pastoral care after his term in office and no longer intervene in administrative leather. The handover of the office was scheduled for July 6, 2025, whereby big celebrations will be dispensed with at Hanke's wish.

The temporary management of the diocese will be regulated on Friday by the cathedral chapter that chooses a diocesan administrator. This temporarily takes over the management of the diocese to Pope Leo XIII. appoint a new bishop. The diocesan administrator has almost the same rights and obligations as an incumbent bishop, but fundamental structural or pastoral changes are not allowed. Hanke has put his episcopal insignia, including the chest cross, mitra and pileolus, and will no longer perform pontifical functions unless he is expressly asked for it.

background to the resignation decision

The decision to put down his office did not come as a surprise. Hanke already had routine surgery in November 2024, which led to complications, which made him unable to work longer than planned. These and other challenges, including the financial scandal in the diocese, had led him to an intensive spiritual struggle. Hanke has been XVI since his appointment by Pope Benedict. on October 14, 2006 for over 18 years in office and will be 71 in July.

The bishop was known for his commitment to ecological questions and the preservation of creation. In addition, he was skeptical about the reforms within the church in Germany and did not take part in the synodal committee. This positioning could have influenced both its resignation and the challenges with which the diocese was confronted. According to the canon law, bishops have to submit their resignation at the age of 75, but surprised Hanke's early decision.

In the period until the appointment of a new bishop, the diocesan administrator will have the opportunity to steer the fate of the diocese to a certain extent. As part of the hierarchical structure of the Catholic Church, the Pope has wisdom and authority to make decisions and appoint bishops or to accept their resignations. The Codex of Canon Right regulates the instruments to maintain the church order during the vacancy of a bishopric, which is important in this phase.

So the diocese of Eichstätt will head for a new era, while Bishop Hanke wants to take the step into a quieter life outside of the church management. The tour of the last years of his term shows a variety of challenges and changes that have led him to his resignation.