It's Adieu for Bishop Hanke of Eichstätt
Eichstätt's Bishop Hanke steps down from his position. - Bishop Hanke of Eichstätt steps down from his position.
In a shocking turn of events, Bishop Gregor Maria Hanke of Eichstätt has hung up his clerical garb. "On Pentecost Sunday, I'm handing over the reins to His Holiness," Hanke announced in a statement from his diocese. Rumors have it that Pope Francis accepted his resignation just before the Easter celebrations.
The resignation comes amidst growing concerns over the future trajectory of the Catholic Church in Germany, specifically in light of the contentious "synodal way," a path laden with proposed modifications to Catholic teachings and practices [1][2][4]. Hanke, a bishop questioning the reforms, revealed his intentions to return to grassroots pastoral work and does not wish to be recognized as "bishop" anymore or flaunt episcopal insignia [1][2].
In a letter to diocesan employees on June 8, 2025, Hanke penned down his reasons for stepping down, citing inner exhaustion and uncertainties about the spiritual vigor and strategic intentions of the Catholic Church in Germany [2][3][5]. The Vatican's Sala Stampa bulletin confirmed the acceptance of Hanke's resignation on the same date, effective immediately.
[1] https://www.catholicleague.org/bishop-hanke-of-eichstaett-resigns-doubts-about-the-spiritual-fruitfulness-and-future-direction-of-the-catholic-church-in-germany/
[2] https://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/bishop-hanke-resigns-as-head-of-eichstatt-diocese
[3] https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2025/06/10/bishop-hanke-resigns-in-germany/
[4] https://www.katholisch.de/synodalweg-in-deutschland-der-moment-ist-da-942418/
[5] https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-06/bishop-hanke-resignation-accepted-vatican.html
In Bavaria, the Church has been discussing changes that echo through Germany's Catholic Church, with Bishop Hanke expressing reservations about the "synodal way" and its potential impact on teachings and practices [1][2][4]. As the news broke about his resignation, concerns arose regarding the political and general news implications of such a move, as a bishop questioning the reforms steps down [2][3].
