Stepping Down: Bishop Hanke Bids Farewell to the Diocese of Eichstätt
Bishop Hanke of Eichstätt steps down from his position. - Bishop Hanke of Eichstätt stepped down from his position.
After a tumultuous tenure, Bishop Gregor Maria Hanke, age 70, has announced his resignation, citing inner exhaustion and a desire to focus on his role as a priest and spiritual guide. The announcement was made on June 9, 2025, to which Pope Leo agreed.
Bishop Hanke has faced numerous challenges during his tenure, including a controversial standoff over appointing a president at the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, a financial scandal that tarnished the diocese's reputation, and the weighing burden of clerical abuse cases. Furthermore, he expressed concerns over the spiritual fruitfulness of the Church in Germany in the face of decreasing membership and the implications of the "synodal way."
Conversations with victims of sexual abuse have left a lasting impression on Bishop Hanke, causing internal shifts. He indicated that these experiences have changed him significantly.
Bishop Hanke has been the leader of the Diocese of Eichstätt since 2006, prior to which he served as the abbot of the Benedictine Abbey of Plankstetten. It is still undetermined who will succeed him, with decisions to be made at a later date.
As Bishop Hanke moves on, his departure marks a significant shift in the German Catholic landscape, especially given the ongoing challenges and the "synodal way" process. The future holdings for Bishop Hanke remain unknown at this time.
- Despite his lengthy tenure as the Bishop of Eichstätt, Gregory Maria Hanke, aged 70, has announced his resignation amidst the religious and political upheavals that marked his term, such as the controversial Catholic University president appointment, financial scandals, clerical abuse cases, and concerns about the "synodal way."
- In an unexpected political maneuver, Bishop Hanke's decision to step down from his position, citing personal reasons and a focus on his role as a priest, will likely have profound effects on the diocese's general news and the German Catholic landscape, especially as he moves forward into an uncertain future.
